IRON COUNTY — Two people were rescued after their rental car got stuck in a snow drift near Brian Head on Sunday night.
An Iron County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue social media post Monday evening said its Snow Team was dispatched at 8:52 p.m. Sunday to state Route 143 where a vehicle was stuck with two occupants inside.
According to the post, the two people in the vehicle were couple from Texas who were visiting the area and had been staying in Brian Head. They had reportedly visited Bryce Canyon earlier in the day and were on their way back to Brian Head when their rental car, a black GMC SUV, got stuck in a snow drift.
Four snowmobiles were dispatched, along with one Can-Am side-by-side tracked utility vehicle. Due to snowdrifts being between 5-8 feet tall, however, the Can-Am was unable to reach the vehicle.
However, the rescuers on the snowmobiles were able to reach the stranded couple and confirm they were warm and had enough fuel in their car. They stayed with the pair until the county’s Snow Cat machine arrived to transport them safely back to where they were staying in Brian Head.
The social media post described the weather conditions that evening as being “traitorous,” with temperatures as low as minus-5 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of 20-25 mph.
The mission wrapped up just after 4 a.m. Monday, according to the sheriff’s office, which added the following safety reminder about winter travel:
We want to remind everyone of the importance to have enough supplies, coats, water, and fuel for the vehicle when venturing out during the winter months, especially when you travel into the high country. Another reminder is to never separate from the vehicle or other members of their party. These people did all of that and returned home safe.
This report is based on information provided by law enforcement and first responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Photo Gallery
Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News Members of Iron County Search and Rescue's Snow Team conduct a rescue operation involving a couple whose rental vehicle got stuck near Brian Head, Utah, Jan. 7-8, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Iron County Sheriff's Office, St. George News / Cedar City News
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