Motorists grateful to be alive after avalanche struck their vehicles, partially burying them in a blanket of snow

A small number of vehicles were struck by an avalanche in Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as a storm pounded the area with snow, according to videos shared on social media and local news reports.

Among those hit by an avalanche in Little Cottonwood Canyon Tuesday were Juston Puchar and Chris Leonard, who recount their heart-pounding experience during the unexpected event.

While Wednesday was a skier’s paradise, the canyon can change in a short amount of time. Just the day before, multiple vehicles were partially buried after an avalanche that forced the canyon to close

ALTA, Utah — Following an avalanche in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta said SR-210 has been reopened to downhill traffic only. Snowbird has also lifted its interlodge. This is a breaking news update. KSL NewsRadio’s earlier story follows: