"Seven snowbikers met at the Guardsman Pass trailhead with plans to ride in the Caribou Basin area. Most of the group had extensive backcountry experience on snow machines and skis, and several had formal avalanche training. All carried avalanche rescue gear, including transceivers, probes, shovels, and avalanche airbags."
"The avalanche occurred Sunday, February 22, 2026, on a northeast-facing slope at approximately 9,600 feet in elevation along the far eastern extent of Rochester Ridge. According to the report, the slope measured 36 degrees with a steeper convex roll exceeding 40 degrees mid-slope. The slide was classified as a hard slab avalanche failing on a persistent weak layer of depth hoar."
"The group was aware that avalanche danger was rated CONSIDERABLE that day and had reviewed the forecast before heading out. Caribou Basin is known for steep, avalanche-prone slopes interspersed with low-angle meadows, and the group intended to avoid steep terrain."
On February 22, 2026, seven experienced snowbikers met at Guardsman Pass to ride in Caribou Basin near Big Cottonwood Canyon. The group was aware that avalanche danger was rated CONSIDERABLE and carried proper rescue equipment including transceivers, probes, shovels, and airbags. However, they did not perform a transceiver function check before departing. While riding, they observed recent avalanches and sugary snow conditions. A northeast-facing slope at 9,600 feet elevation broke as a hard slab avalanche on a persistent weak layer of depth hoar. The slope measured 36 degrees with steeper convex sections exceeding 40 degrees. The avalanche broke 2-3 feet deep, approximately 475-500 feet wide, and ran 600 vertical feet. One rider was caught, carried, and fully buried, resulting in a fatality.
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