Shouts lead rescuer to skier buried chest-deep in snow by avalanche, Utah officials say

A solo skier wound up buried chest-deep in snow after being swept away by an avalanche in Neff’s Canyon near Salt Lake City, Utah officials reported.

The man remained trapped for about 45 minutes until another skier nearby heard his cries for help and came to his rescue Wednesday, Dec. 14, the Utah Avalanche Center said.

The second skier called 911 and began digging the seriously injured man out, the center said.

Rescuers responded and carried the injured skier out by foot, helicopter and snowmobile, according to the center.

A day earlier, an avalanche injured a skier in Little Cottonwood Canyon near Pink Pine Ridge, the center said in another report.

The avalanche swept the skier away Tuesday, Dec. 13, seriously injuring him, but did not bury him, the center said. A woman skiing with him evaded the avalanche and called 911.

Rescuers carried the injured skier to an ambulance, the center said.

This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 9:08 AM with the headline "Shouts lead rescuer to skier buried chest-deep in snow by avalanche, Utah officials say."