Avalanche: Hidden Canyon

Victim commentary: Resort had gates open skied through took first line a shoot on second turn avalanch hit tree slide about 300 feet snow slide and carved path exposing rocks another 200 feet total 500 foot slide, likely injured mcl otherwise ok, saw two other slides in the area that had recently occurred. Recommend closing gates and area until safety better evaluated and snow stable.

Forecaster comments: Hidden Canyon is an uncontrolled, backcountry area adjacent to the Brighton resort. A very close call occurred there on Friday, December 20th--the day before this accident--and another skier triggered slide occurred there the day of this accident. Many people who use the ski area exit gates do not read the sign indicating the potential danger. Hidden Canyon has been the site of many serious accidents and close calls in the past. The victim sent us this report of the accident the day afterwards, so neither we, nor Brighton resort were aware of the accident the day it occurred. In a subsequent email with the victim to clarify the details, he indicated that he was able to self-evacuate although he did have an injured knee. He had a friend who helped retrieve his skis in the trees several hundred feet above him. He said he saw other avalanches in that area. It appears that he did not realize he was entering uncontrolled backcountry terrain.

Luckily, there was a happy ending to this close call. Thanks so much for posting. This kind of information helps to save the lives of others. We also strongly encourage people to trigger avalanches to report them to the nearest authorities to prevent rescuers from searching the areas unnecessarily.