Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MILLCREEK CANYON — A woman was rescued from an avalanche thanks to proper gear and a quick-thinking friend.
43-year-old Elisabeth Malloy was skiing with an unidentified male when a large avalanche occurred in the West Porter Fork area of Millcreek Canyon. The Malloy was caught in the slide and buried, but police say the man was prepared with training and avalanche gear and acted quickly, locating and unburying her.
As of Saturday evening, police were unsure of the avalanche's exact size.
"They were able to get her out from underneath the snow and they were able to resuscitate her. She was not breathing originally," said Unified Police Department Lt. Justin Hoyal.
By the time the man called 911, Malloy was conscious and talking, but reported a head injury.
Search and Rescue crews used snowmobiles to reach the pair, who were at 9,000 feet and nearly two miles from the trailhead.
"It's difficult terrain. It's quite a distance from there on the roadway," Hoyal said.
The two were transported to the University of Utah Medical Center for medical treatment.
Police said the avalanche danger is considerable and they're urging caution.
"That's what's really important, when people come to the back country skiing, they come prepared," Hoyal said.
