Avalanche closes Little Cottonwood Canyon: Local skiers share harrowing experience

SALT LAKE CITY — Little Cottonwood Canyon was closed Tuesday night after an avalanche roared through the area, 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 there'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 from Snowbird's ski patrol and the sheriff's department. 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.

🚧Road Closure Update🚧 SR-210 OPEN to downhill travel ONLY 📍Uphill traffic CLOSED at mouth ‼️Expect travel delays on road and leaving @Snowbird@AltaSkiArea parking areas until queue clears. REMINDER: Road will close at 10pm for avalanche mitigation tomorrow (3/19). pic.twitter.com/1jMKJH1StY — UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) March 19, 2025

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 nut job out there," Puchar exclaimed, already planning to hit the slopes again tomorrow. With their story of survival, these skiers are proving that passion for the mountains endures even in the face of nature's fury.

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