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Back country gear likely saved woman stuck in avalanche

Posted at 7:59 PM, Jan 12, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-13 17:04:57-05

SALT LAKE CITY - A 43-year-old woman is in fair condition after an avalanche on Saturday afternoon.

The avalanche triggered just after 5 p.m. in Millcreek Canyon. Officials say the woman, identified as Elisabeth Malloy, and man were back country skiing when the avalanche occurred.

The pair had back country avalanche gear and the man was able to locate the woman in the avalanche. She wasn't breathing, but the man was able to resuscitate her and call emergency crews.

Crews were able to rescue her and she was sent to the hospital in critical condition. She was upgraded to fair condition by Sunday afternoon.

Officials say the situation could have turned out much worse, but because the pair were prepared with back country avalanche gear, the woman was rescued alive.