Snowmobilers caught in an avalanche on the ridge between Franklin Basin and Egan Basin, Dec. 7, 2019 (Courtesy: US Forest Service).
LOGAN — The Utah Avalanche Center is reminding snowmobilers to be cautious after two riders were caught and carried in a slide Saturday afternoon. The 50 foot wide and 15 foot deep avalanche occurred just north of the Utah-Idaho State Line in the Bear River Range, east of Cache Valley.
A press release from the US Forest Service said the party of four was riding northeast of Corral Hollow, near the ridge between Franklin Basin and Egan Basin. The avalanche happened on a northeast facing slope at around 9000 feet in elevation, while two of the riders were dealing with a stuck sled about 60 feet below the main ridge.
The third rider had turned out of the gully below the two, and was below and well out of the way when the fourth rider triggered the avalanche from the ridge.
The avalanche involving wind drifted snow only ran about 100 feet, but it swept up the two riders and sleds in its path. One deployed his airbag and ended up on top of the debris. The other was partially buried with only one leg sticking out of the snow. Neither rider was injured.
Both riders are okay, and they were able to ride their sleds out of the back country.
The avalanche center reports the danger of avalanches is considerable on drifted slopes at upper elevations. They advise snowmobilers to use caution while route finding, and make conservative decisions. Also, avoid steep wind drifted slopes.
will@cvradio.com
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