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MORGAN — Two people were hospitalized after getting caught in an avalanche in Morgan County on Tuesday.
Seven people were riding snowcats together at Gold Ridge Canyon near Hardscrabble Road when one snowcat got caught in a large avalanche about 12:30 p.m. Two people were on the snowcat that got caught and they were buried, Morgan County Fire Chief Boyd Carrigan said.
One person was able to dig out of the snow and fire officials said he was transported by ambulance to an Ogden hospital for some minor cuts to his head.
The other person was flown to the University of Utah Hospital for significant leg and foot injuries. Carrigan said the man was buried under the snowcat and his foot was trapped in the track of the snowcat. It took rescuers about two hours to free him.
The slope isn't steep, but the snow is "very unstable" right now, Carrigan said of the area the men were trapped in.
"It's to the extreme. We've had all this new snow sitting on top of this old snow that has that crust layer, so if you are going to travel in the backwoods, be prepared," he said.
Carrigan said the group is from the area but was most likely caught off guard because the area doesn't typically receive that much snow.
"We would like to remind all individuals who engage in outdoor winter activities to take proper precautions and always be prepared for the possibility of an avalanche. It's important to remember that avalanches can happen to anyone, regardless of their level of experience or equipment. We encourage everyone to always check the weather and snow conditions, carry essential safety equipment, and stay within designated areas," a press release from Morgan County fire officials said.
