A snowmobiling adventure in Utah's Franklin Basin nearly turned fatal Tuesday when an avalanche buried a Utah man, leaving only his gloves visible above the snow.
Hunter Hansen's younger brother, Braeden Hansen, sprang into action, saving his life.
"I saw the snow ripple and knew it was an avalanche," Braeden told NBC News. The brothers were riding in Logan Canyon near the Idaho border when the avalanche struck, burying Hunter under two feet of snow.
Using a beacon, Braeden located Hunter 150 yards downhill. "I just cleared the snow away from his head and got his helmet off so he could start breathing again," Braeden told the outlet.
Hunter, who was recording video moments before the avalanche, said the compacted snow felt like concrete. "It just washed me down the mountain," he told NBC News. "The most violent thing I've ever felt. Couldn't breathe, couldn't do anything."
The rescue came just in time. "I was on my last breath and holding it as long as I could," Hunter said, crediting his survival to his brother's quick thinking and the safety equipment they always carry.
Hunter, who is recovering from bruises and a possible leg fracture, called his survival a "Christmas miracle." The brothers emphasized the importance of preparedness in the backcountry, noting they always carry beacons, probes, shovels and airbags.
Avalanches claim an average of 27 lives annually in the U.S., with Utah ranking fourth in avalanche fatalities since 1951, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
"You hear so many tragic stories," Hunter told the outlet. "I feel very blessed and lucky."
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