AVALANCHE

Utah, Big Cottonwood Canyon

On February 17,1986, Brad Lindser (18) and Cameron Carpenter (18) were ski-boarding,

as were several others, on an unimproved area near the Brighton, Guardsman Pass when they were caught in a fast moving avalanche atl600. A rescue operation, which included rescue dogs from Solitude, located the victims. Lindser was dead under a meter and a half of snow. Carpenter sustained a broken femur. (Source: Lt. Mike Wilkenson, Salt Lake County Sheriff Search and Rescue)

Analysis

While not a climbing accident, this situation is presented to illustrate, as we often do in this journal, that knowledge of mountaineering hazards and techniques is essential for back country skiers and hikers. In this case, back country warnings were in effect and available by phone call. (Source: J. Williamson)