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2026-03-03

Utah Avalanche Center Caribou Basin Avalanche Fatality Final Report: Victim Had Transceiver But It Was Not Turned On




The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) has released its final report on the February 22 avalanche that killed a snowbiker in Caribou Basin near Big Cottonwood Canyon, offering a detailed reconstruction of the accident and highlighting key lessons for backcountry travelers.

“Thank you to everyone involved for sharing information. As with all avalanche accidents, we hope to learn something to prevent future accidents. Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, rescuers, and everyone affected by these tragic accidents.” – UAC

The avalanche occurred Sunday, February 22, 2026, on a northeast-facing slope at approximately 9,600 feet in elevation along the far eastern extent of Rochester Ridge. According to the report, the slope measured 36 degrees with a steeper convex roll exceeding 40 degrees mid-slope. The slide was classified as a hard slab avalanche failing on a persistent weak layer of depth hoar.



Related: Salt Lake City, UT, Records Warmest Winter in 150 Years



The avalanche broke 2 to 3 feet deep, approximately 475 to 500 feet wide, and ran roughly 600 vertical feet. One rider was caught, carried, fully buried, and killed.

The Day of the Accident

Seven snowbikers met at the Guardsman Pass trailhead with plans to ride in the Caribou Basin area. Most of the group had extensive backcountry experience on snow machines and skis, and several had formal avalanche training. All carried avalanche rescue gear, including transceivers, probes, shovels, and avalanche airbags.

The group was aware that avalanche danger was rated CONSIDERABLE that day and had reviewed the forecast before heading out. Caribou Basin is known for steep, avalanche-prone slopes interspersed with low-angle meadows, and the group intended to avoid steep terrain.

At the trailhead, members confirmed verbally that everyone had their avalanche gear but did not perform a transceiver function check to ensure each device was transmitting.

While riding, the group observed numerous recent avalanches and noted loose, sugary snow beneath the recent storm layers—a clear sign of the persistent weak layer responsible for widespread instability. They reaffirmed their plan to avoid steep slopes.

Near the end of the day, after describing conditions as “euphoric” with excellent powder and clear weather, the group decided to take one final lap before returning to the trailhead. They spread out in the basin. When they regrouped, one rider was missing.

Backtracking, they discovered a fresh avalanche had overrun the area where they had been riding. Approximately 10 minutes had passed since they had last seen the missing rider.

The group immediately called 911 and began a transceiver search but were unable to locate a signal. After several minutes, they spotted the rider’s snowbike in the debris and began spot-probing near the machine. No transceiver signal was ever detected.

It was later determined the victim was wearing a transceiver, but it was not turned on. He was also wearing an avalanche airbag, with the trigger armed, but it had not been deployed.

Wasatch County Search and Rescue and AirMed responded but halted operations due to darkness and the need for avalanche mitigation. The following morning, multiple agencies resumed efforts. An avalanche dog located the victim buried approximately 2 feet below the surface, about 100 feet downhill from his snowbike.

Snowpack and Weather Context

The Utah Avalanche Center report details a classic persistent slab setup.

After a stormy early January, a prolonged high-pressure ridge settled over Utah from January 9 to January 28, during which the Brighton SNOTEL site recorded no precipitation. Clear skies and cold temperatures allowed the snow surface to transform into weak, faceted snow—including depth hoar.

Beginning February 17, a series of strong storms impacted the region. Between February 17 and 20, Brighton recorded approximately 3 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE). Brighton Ski Patrol measured 42 inches of new snow containing 3.58 inches of SWE during the storm cycle.

Storm intensity ranked among the most significant in recent decades:





1-day SWE (Feb 18–19): 1.9 inches — 99th percentile





3-day SWE (Feb 17–20): 2.8 inches — 99th percentile





7-day SWE (Feb 15–22): 3.0 inches — 95th percentile





10-day SWE (Feb 12–22): 3.1 inches — 95th percentile





Strong to extreme winds from the south and west during the storm further loaded leeward northeast-facing slopes like the one that failed.

The avalanche slab consisted of hard storm snow and wind-drifted layers resting on depth hoar above a slick rain crust that formed during a December 24 rain-on-snow event. The Utah Avalanche Center had issued an Avalanche Watch on February 16 and an Avalanche Warning on February 18, noting that “With improving weather moving in for the weekend, avalanche accidents are likely in the backcountry.”

Caribou Basin is categorized as “Challenging” terrain under the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale, meaning well-defined avalanche paths and terrain traps are present but exposure can be managed with careful routefinding.

Key Takeaways

In its report, the Utah Avalanche Center emphasized several lessons:





A transceiver check before leaving the trailhead is critical. Confirming that each device is on, transmitting, and has sufficient battery life can be lifesaving.





When groups spread out in avalanche terrain, maintaining visual contact is essential to narrow search areas if an accident occurs.





Persistent weak layers can remain dangerous even after storm snow settles, particularly when large storm totals fall on faceted snow.





The Utah Avalanche Center stated its goal in publishing the report is to provide learning opportunities without assigning blame.

“Our goal with this report is to provide a valuable learning opportunity, and we all aim to learn from accidents like this, without in any way pointing fingers at victims,” the center wrote. The report concludes with acknowledgments to Wasatch County Search and Rescue, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Brighton Ski Patrol, AirMed, the Department of Public Safety, and the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office for their response efforts. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim’s family, friends, and all those in the community affected by his loss,” the Utah Avalanche Center wrote.

The post Utah Avalanche Center Caribou Basin Avalanche Fatality Final Report: Victim Had Transceiver But It Was Not Turned On appeared first on SnowBrains.

Ссылка на источник: https://snowbrains.com/utah-avalanche-center-caribou-basin-avalanche-fatality-final-report-victim-had-transceiver-but-it-was-not-turned-on/


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