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BRIGHTON SKI RESORT -- Two skiers trying to hike into the backcountry ended up triggering an avalanche at Brighton today.
Sheriff's officials said 45-year-old Eric Railsback and 46-year-old Andrew Starr were hiking up Miliscent Peak Sunday morning. Starr got to the top and started skiing down the backside, but when Railsback hiked up behind him, the slide broke loose.
It swept Railsback 300 feet downhill, burying him up to his chest in snow, but he wasn't hurt. He was able to pull out his avalanche shovel, dig himself out and walk to safety.
This slide demonstrates just how dangerous the mountains can be right now. The Utah Avalanche Center says there is considerable avalanche danger in all but two areas of the state.
It's warning people to away from steeper slopes, especially when the day heats up.
