Avalanche: Butler Basin

Decision Making

The avalanche danger for this location was rated as CONSIDERABLE for the Salt Lake area mountains on the day of this accident. In addition, the Utah Avalanche Center had issued a Special Avalanche Bulletin for the weekend to highlight the dangerous avalanche conditions where human-triggered avalanches were considered likely. By the evening of February 20, there had been 48 avalanches, including two avalanche fatalities, reported to the Utah Avalanche Center in the Salt Lake Area Mountains since February 16.

In communication with Skier B, they indicated that both skiers had read the avalanche forecast for the day and had decided to stick to slopes less than 30 degrees, given the Considerable avalanche danger rating and recent accidents. When they entered the Butler Basin drainage, both skiers expressed concern about the steep, north-facing terrain but felt the trees would offer some safety as they navigated the slope toward the ridgeline.

Attached is the avalanche heat map for the Salt Lake Area Mountains, February 16 through the night of February 20.

Additional Comments

At the Utah Avalanche Center, we strive to learn from every avalanche accident and share insights to help others avoid similar accidents. We have all experienced close calls and understand how easily mistakes can happen. Our goal with this report is to provide a valuable learning opportunity. With that in mind, we offer the following comments.

Key takeaways from this event:

Respect the Danger: A CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger with persistent weak layers is serious. In one multi‑decade review, CONSIDERABLE danger days accounted for roughly 45 % of recorded avalanche fatalities, more than any other danger level in that dataset. Roughly 70% of all avalanche fatalities involve PWLs (persistent weak layers).

Terrain Management: Even slopes that appear more benign, or areas “protected” by trees, can still slide. Trees and terrain features are not fail-safes.

Read and Apply the Forecast: Public backcountry avalanche forecasts issued by the Utah Avalanche Center provide a danger rating with respect to aspect and elevation. Follow guidance provided by the avalanche forecast when considering travel plans in avalanche terrain.

Communication Matters: If something feels unsafe, speak up. Others around you may be feeling the same uncertainty, and saying something could prevent an accident.

Stick to the Plan: Don’t drift from your intended route into more dangerous terrain. Deviating from your plan increases exposure to hazards and risks that weren’t initially planned for within the day.

Stay Objective: Powder enthusiasm can cloud judgment. Enjoying fresh snow is part of the sport, but it should never override careful decision-making.

Control Exposure: Expose only one person at a time in avalanche terrain. This reduces the risk to multiple people and makes rescue simpler if something does go wrong. While this is more difficult during uphill travel, we should note that a significant number of accidents and close calls involve skiers or riders traveling or skinning in uphill mode.

Accidents are always a reminder to go back to the basics and be deliberate in the backcountry.

We aim to learn from accidents like this and in no way intend to point fingers at victims. Thank you to all the members of the community who participated in this rescue. Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, rescuers, and everyone affected by this tragic accident.

Accident Summary

On the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2026, two skiers left the Butler Fork trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon with the intention of skiing a run known as “The Triangle,” located in Butler Basin, a drainage in Big Cottonwood Canyon just east of Gobblers Knob.

The two skiers ascended a steep, north-facing slope adjacent to “The Triangle.” Skier A was nearly at the top of the slope when the avalanche occurred around 10:15 a.m. Both skiers were caught, carried approximately 100 feet down the slope, and fully buried at the bottom.

Three other groups of skiers in the drainage, Group One with two members, Group Two with four members, and Group Three with two members, witnessed the avalanche. The parties notified Alta Central, called 911, and initiated the rescue.

Rescue Summary

Times listed below are approximate and were reconstructed from photos, Strava activity data, and phone call logs. Minor discrepancies of several minutes are possible.

10:17 a.m. – A photo was taken from the ridge by one of the rescue parties prior to skiing, showing the skin track through the trees. See photo below.

10:18–10:19 a.m. – The avalanche occurred. At this time, some members of the rescuing party were near the bottom of the slope in the south-facing portion of Butler Basin, while others were spread across the mid- and upper-elevation terrain. Observers noticed the debris pile and shaking trees and began adjusting their travel to move safely toward the avalanche site. Skins were put on as needed for uphill or traversing travel.

10:20 a.m. – One rescuer who witnessed the avalanche called Alta Central dispatch to report the avalanche and request assistance.

10:25 a.m. – The first rescuer arrived at the debris and, immediately upon arrival, conducted a beacon search, revealing two separate signals. Following the first signal, the rescuer performed a fine search along the top of the debris. During this fine search, the rescuer observed a splitboard binding. After confirming it was attached, the rescuer began shoveling to extricate Skier B.

10:26 a.m. – Additional rescuers arrived at the debris and located Skier B approximately eight minutes after the avalanche, buried roughly 110 cm deep, face up, with their feet above their head. Their airway was exposed and partially obstructed by snow; the rescuers cleared the airway, allowing them to breathe and regain consciousness. They sustained a leg injury from striking a tree and were moved to a safer area on the debris, provided with an emergency blanket, warm clothing, and fluids.

10:27 a.m. – While others attended to Skier B, one rescuer began searching for Skier A using an avalanche transceiver.

10:29 a.m. – During the fine search, the snow caved slightly underfoot, exposing the boot of Skier A. This skier was buried approximately 150 cm, face down with their feet above their head, and skis still attached. The rescuer reached the skier’s location while others assisted with debris management.

10:31–10:32 a.m. – Rescuers exposed Skier A’s airway approximately 12–13 minutes after the avalanche. Multiple rescuers immediately began CPR while additional personnel assisted on site.

10:35–10:37 a.m. – A rescuer provided an update to Alta Central dispatch/911, coordinating additional rescue resources.

11:00 a.m. – Skier B, previously stabilized, was moved into a sunny area for further warming and monitoring.

11:50 a.m. – A medical helicopter circled the site twice but did not land due to the risk of additional avalanches on the slope.

12:10–12:15 p.m. – Skier A was extricated via longline by a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter. An EMT was longlined in to assist Skier B, who was subsequently airlifted from the scene. CPR continued for Skier A throughout the extrication, while Skier B remained stable.

Both individuals were located using avalanche transceivers, fine search techniques, and shovels. In both cases, probes were not required to pinpoint their locations.

Photo showing skin-track in the trees ascending towards the ridgeline prior to the accident at approximately 10:17 am..

Terrain above from the helicopter showing both burial sites.

Image showing the lower hole (Skier A).

Image showing the upper hole (Skier B).

Image showing both the lower hole and the upper hole (Skier A & B burial) from below.

Caltopo map image showing the crown profile and the two burial sites.

Additional photos of the avalanche and the debris from below.