Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Responds to Avalanche in Butler Fork Area

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue responded to an avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon near Butler Fork at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Two separate backcountry skiing groups were in the area when the avalanche occurred. Two individuals were caught in the slide. Members of the other group witnessed the avalanche and immediately began rescue efforts, assisting in uncovering the buried individuals before first responders arrived.

Rescuers quickly located both individuals and began lifesaving measures. Crews evacuated them from area and transported them to Intermountain Medical Center for treatment. A 57-year-old male was transported in critical condition. A 48-year-old male was transported in serious condition.

Additional responding agencies include Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Brighton Ski Patrol, Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau, Life Flight, Unified Fire Authority, Unified Police Department, U.S. Forrest Service, Utah Avalanche Center, and Utah Department of Transportation.

The incident remains under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.