Estimated read time: 2-3 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
- An avalanche in Little Cottonwood Canyon partially buried three vehicles, closing the area.
- Skiers Juston Puchar and Chris Leonard recounted their harrowing experience during the avalanche.
- Quick response from Snowbird ski patrol and Salt Lake County sheriff ensured safety.
SALT LAKE CITY — Little Cottonwood Canyon remains closed after an avalanche roared through the area Tuesday, partially burying three vehicles in its path.
Among those hit were Juston Puchar and Chris Leonard, who recount their heart-pounding experience during the unexpected event.
Puchar, who had taken the day off from his real estate job to enjoy the late-season powder, described the earlier part of the day as "epic" and "flowing." As they were leaving the parking lot at Snowbird, their day took a sudden and dramatic turn.
"I flinch. I'm like, 'Dude,'" Puchar said, recalling the moment something slammed into their truck. Leonard, seated in the back, added, "Next thing you know, the truck starts moving, and it's a whiteout."
The avalanche, powerful enough to pin their truck doors shut, also shoved a nearby Jeep 20 feet and turned another vehicle sideways. Despite the chaos, help arrived quickly. Both Puchar and Leonard expressed gratitude for the quick response.
"It's crazy how fast ski patrol of Snowbird and the sheriff were there right behind us, ready to help us unbury," Leonard said.
John Gleason from the Utah Department of Transportation confirmed the canyon closure as crews worked to ensure public safety. "We want to do everything we can to get them to where they're going safely and make sure they have an enjoyable and safe time," Gleason stated.
Little Cottonwood Canyon remains a high-risk zone. Avalanche mitigation efforts will continue to ensure no further incidents occur.
For Puchar and Leonard, the dramatic encounter hasn't dampened their spirits. "Dude, it is snowing — it is just a nuke job out there," Puchar exclaimed, already planning to hit the slopes again Wednesday.
With their story of survival, these skiers are proving that passion for the mountains endures even in the face of nature's fury.
