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Brighton Today
By the People, for the People
Child killed in avalanche near Brighton Ski Resort
Incident marks second avalanche fatality in Utah in two days
Published on Mar. 1, 2026
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An 11-year-old girl died after being buried in an avalanche while skiing out of bounds near Brighton Ski Resort in Utah. The incident occurred just a day after another avalanche fatality in the region, prompting warnings from officials about the high avalanche danger in the area.
Why it matters
Avalanche safety and preparedness have become major concerns in Utah's ski communities, especially after two tragic incidents in quick succession. This latest fatality highlights the risks of venturing into uncontrolled backcountry terrain, even adjacent to ski resorts, and the need for skiers and snowboarders to exercise extreme caution when avalanche conditions are high.
The details
According to authorities, the 11-year-old girl was skiing with two family members in an out-of-bounds area known as The Rock Garden when they triggered an avalanche around 12:45 pm on February 19th. The girl was buried for up to 30 minutes before being rescued by Brighton Ski Patrol and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue. She was transported to a hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries.
- The incident occurred on February 19, 2026.
- A snowmobiler died in a separate avalanche incident on February 18, 2026, just a day earlier.
The players
Utah Avalanche Center
The state's avalanche forecasting and education organization that provides daily avalanche danger ratings and safety information.
Rosie Rivera
The Salt Lake County Sheriff who urged backcountry users to exercise caution and heed avalanche warnings.
What they’re saying
“In just two days, we have experienced two devastating avalanche fatalities affecting parents, children, and the broader community. These are huge red flags, and we need to slow down and rethink our choices.”
— Utah Avalanche Center (TownLift)
“Leaving a ski resort boundary means entering uncontrolled, unpatrolled backcountry terrain.”
— Rosie Rivera, Salt Lake County Sheriff (TownLift)
What’s next
The Utah Avalanche Center has warned of high avalanche danger in the Salt Lake zone, urging backcountry users to exercise extreme caution. Officials are also reminding skiers and snowboarders to check daily avalanche forecasts, carry proper safety gear, and avoid steep terrain when conditions are unstable.
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the importance of avalanche awareness and preparedness, especially for those venturing beyond the boundaries of ski resorts into uncontrolled backcountry areas. It serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved and the need for all winter sports enthusiasts to prioritize safety when enjoying Utah's renowned slopes.
