Avalanche — Wasatch Mountains I-80 North, Utah

2023-03-28 · Wasatch Mountains I-80 North, Utah

Event narrative

At around 11:30 am, a large avalanche occurred near the Gold Ridge / Hardscrabble backcountry area, approximately 7 miles ESE of Farmington. At the time of the avalanche, one snowcat carrying two occupants was caught in the slide and buried. A second snowcat and its five occupants were able to quickly uncover one of the buried snowcat occupants, who had sustained minor head injuries. This occupant was subsequently taken to an area hospital by ambulance. The second occupant was buried with their leg trapped beneath the snowcat, but was uncovered enough that they could breath. When rescue crews arrived, they were able to uncover the buried occupant, who was then transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital with a serious leg injury.

Wider weather episode

An avalanche occurred near the Gold Ridge / Hardscrabble backcountry area of Morgan County, resulting in the burial of a snowcat and its occupants.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1088876. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.