Authorities have identified the man who lost his life in a weekend avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon as 59-year-old Higinio Juan Gonzales of Salt Lake City.
Gonzales was one of two individuals caught in the slide on Saturday, February 8. According to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, he was buried under the snow and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The second person involved, whose identity has not been released, was rescued and transported to a hospital with significant leg injuries. Despite the severity of his condition, officials confirmed his injuries were not life-threatening.
The Utah Avalanche Center’s initial assessment reported that the avalanche measured approximately two feet deep and 150 feet wide. Investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the slide.
Over the weekend, avalanche conditions across Utah’s mountain regions were classified as “high” or “considerable,” meaning backcountry travel was strongly discouraged. As of Monday, the avalanche risk in the Salt Lake area had been downgraded to “considerable,” while other nearby mountain regions were assessed at “moderate” danger levels.
Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.
Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.