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Ah yes, let's continue to go skiing in the back-country! Good but deadly times folks!!

TheGLOV

Well-Known Member
Gold Member
They do this all the time. These aren’t stupid people. They are powder hounds and want the good stuff, not the groomed runs that the corporate facilities have to offer. Sometimes you get bit chasing the stuff you want.
 
3 skiers found dead after being buried by large avalanche in Colorado - CBS News

Utah Avalanche Center Urges Caution After Second Death and PCMR Backcountry Gate Closures | KPCW

And the Utah Avalanche center urges caution! Really?

They'd all be still alive if the would have acknowledged the danger and made different decisions.

Very sad.

And no, I still haven't given up posting articles about surfers dying or being attacked by sharks!

Another smart move!!!
Glov--is there any outdoor activity you do not fear? Tell me--do you drive an automobile? Do you cower in your basement when the wind blows?
 
When I was younger I pretty much had no fears. I would get on my Dad's 2 story roof and walk to the edge and try to hook up the antenna wire better, just standing on the edge trying to hook up the wires better. I would go skiing and do the hardest slopes, many times having to wait to get the courage to start the downward trek. When I was 14 I painted my Dad's 2 story house. No sweat being on the ladder for hours on end. When in high school, my friends and I would drive down to the Shenango Dam where there was an overflow area. It was 3 cement sides with a hill making the fourth side. We would always try to out do each other by going higher up the cliff to dive in. The slopes getting more slippery with each climb. Our stomachs would eventually brush against the shrubs the higher we went. One friend always would be the highest diver. (he became a Army Ranger). Today, won't do any of that.
 
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3 skiers found dead after being buried by large avalanche in Colorado - CBS News

Utah Avalanche Center Urges Caution After Second Death and PCMR Backcountry Gate Closures | KPCW

And the Utah Avalanche center urges caution! Really?

They'd all be still alive if the would have acknowledged the danger and made different decisions.

Very sad.

And no, I still haven't given up posting articles about surfers dying or being attacked by sharks!

Another smart move!!!


I wouldn’t be so quick to put this in the avalanche category. Soooo many possibilities..............

iu


iu
 
3 skiers found dead after being buried by large avalanche in Colorado - CBS News

Utah Avalanche Center Urges Caution After Second Death and PCMR Backcountry Gate Closures | KPCW

And the Utah Avalanche center urges caution! Really?

They'd all be still alive if the would have acknowledged the danger and made different decisions.

Very sad.

And no, I still haven't given up posting articles about surfers dying or being attacked by sharks!

Another smart move!!!
I know in the "why would anyone go into the ocean looking like a seal..." thread you asked why - the answer is simply because it is ****ing fun - after reading many of your posts I am not sure you really understand what that means. As for this thread - let me state, I am an experienced BC skier and have taken the necessary courses to understand the danger of each situation from a snow aspect. But there are a couple of things that can never be taught in those sessions, meaning even with experience and training the situation will never be 100% safe. So why do people go out into the BC - again because it is fun and not a Disneyland experience that someone from a Hedge Fund (I looking at you Robert Katz) thinks you want and that generates shareholder returns. There are a couple of issues that are compounding danger this year - Across much of the West snow has been sporadic, which means that you have snow layers that fell and have been exposed to thaw/freeze which means that subsequent snows will not bind well - these weak layers at or near ground level which means when the snow that has since fallen slides off that weak layer you get big avi's - the individuals who died outside Silverton were covered by 20 feet of snow. Second 2020 factor - is that resorts are not open to their full capacities which means that many people who have no idea what they are doing are now in the BC. That puts them at risk but what it means for experienced users is that to get the same experience you need to go out father - this means harder to get to by S&R, it means that if something happens your partners are father away from cell coverage, etc. - SO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN - choose your partners and terrain carefully. I have friends who are S&R volunteers and they just shake their heads when we discuss the situation in CO this year but for you to just dismiss these deaths as "another smart move!!!" just shows what an ass you are! Maybe this post gets me banned - whatever, I am mostly a voyeur on this site but as someone who actually could have an intelligent conversation about BC skiing and to a lesser extent surfing you come off simply as a jackass. - Stick to your UNC BB fellating of Duke - at least you seem to know how to talk about that with your mouth full.
 
3 skiers found dead after being buried by large avalanche in Colorado - CBS News

Utah Avalanche Center Urges Caution After Second Death and PCMR Backcountry Gate Closures | KPCW

And the Utah Avalanche center urges caution! Really?

They'd all be still alive if the would have acknowledged the danger and made different decisions.

Very sad.

And no, I still haven't given up posting articles about surfers dying or being attacked by sharks!

Another smart move!!!
Another skier buried today in East Vail. Status unknown but probably dead. Easy Vail chutes are not part of Vail but are easily reached from Vail. Avalanche danger is high after a big dump overnight, about a foot. Lots of people have died in the East Vail chutes. Stupid people. Especially today. There was plenty of powder in safe areas.
 
A man has to know his limitations. Confidence is good. Over confidence can be deadly. JFK Jr comes to mind.
 
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I know in the "why would anyone go into the ocean looking like a seal..." thread you asked why - the answer is simply because it is ****ing fun - after reading many of your posts I am not sure you really understand what that means. As for this thread - let me state, I am an experienced BC skier and have taken the necessary courses to understand the danger of each situation from a snow aspect. But there are a couple of things that can never be taught in those sessions, meaning even with experience and training the situation will never be 100% safe. So why do people go out into the BC - again because it is fun and not a Disneyland experience that someone from a Hedge Fund (I looking at you Robert Katz) thinks you want and that generates shareholder returns. There are a couple of issues that are compounding danger this year - Across much of the West snow has been sporadic, which means that you have snow layers that fell and have been exposed to thaw/freeze which means that subsequent snows will not bind well - these weak layers at or near ground level which means when the snow that has since fallen slides off that weak layer you get big avi's - the individuals who died outside Silverton were covered by 20 feet of snow. Second 2020 factor - is that resorts are not open to their full capacities which means that many people who have no idea what they are doing are now in the BC. That puts them at risk but what it means for experienced users is that to get the same experience you need to go out father - this means harder to get to by S&R, it means that if something happens your partners are father away from cell coverage, etc. - SO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN - choose your partners and terrain carefully. I have friends who are S&R volunteers and they just shake their heads when we discuss the situation in CO this year but for you to just dismiss these deaths as "another smart move!!!" just shows what an ass you are! Maybe this post gets me banned - whatever, I am mostly a voyeur on this site but as someone who actually could have an intelligent conversation about BC skiing and to a lesser extent surfing you come off simply as a jackass. - Stick to your UNC BB fellating of Duke - at least you seem to know how to talk about that with your mouth full.

Well spoken.. No insults necessary.

Paragraphs would be appreciated next time.

The point IS, if they would have made better decisions (fun or no fun) they'd still be alive.

Now, as for the jackass, have you looked in the mirror lately. Remember my words when the snow covers you totally and you take your last possible breath.

Or what if, YOU cause an avalanche that gets others killed. You sound like you'd blame it on the dead people experiencing bad luck I'm sure.

And look at the title again: "GOOD" but deadly times folks!

I'm sure you skiing where you do is a {rush} a {high} like none other but,.....you are more valuable and appreciated to those that love and know you while you're alive sir.

I simply do not want anybody to become a statistic sir. Even you.



You're also a dook fan, huh?

:) ;) :)
 
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I know in the "why would anyone go into the ocean looking like a seal..." thread you asked why - the answer is simply because it is ****ing fun - after reading many of your posts I am not sure you really understand what that means. As for this thread - let me state, I am an experienced BC skier and have taken the necessary courses to understand the danger of each situation from a snow aspect. But there are a couple of things that can never be taught in those sessions, meaning even with experience and training the situation will never be 100% safe. So why do people go out into the BC - again because it is fun and not a Disneyland experience that someone from a Hedge Fund (I looking at you Robert Katz) thinks you want and that generates shareholder returns. There are a couple of issues that are compounding danger this year - Across much of the West snow has been sporadic, which means that you have snow layers that fell and have been exposed to thaw/freeze which means that subsequent snows will not bind well - these weak layers at or near ground level which means when the snow that has since fallen slides off that weak layer you get big avi's - the individuals who died outside Silverton were covered by 20 feet of snow. Second 2020 factor - is that resorts are not open to their full capacities which means that many people who have no idea what they are doing are now in the BC. That puts them at risk but what it means for experienced users is that to get the same experience you need to go out father - this means harder to get to by S&R, it means that if something happens your partners are father away from cell coverage, etc. - SO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN - choose your partners and terrain carefully. I have friends who are S&R volunteers and they just shake their heads when we discuss the situation in CO this year but for you to just dismiss these deaths as "another smart move!!!" just shows what an ass you are! Maybe this post gets me banned - whatever, I am mostly a voyeur on this site but as someone who actually could have an intelligent conversation about BC skiing and to a lesser extent surfing you come off simply as a jackass. - Stick to your UNC BB fellating of Duke - at least you seem to know how to talk about that with your mouth full.

Johnmpsu says it all above: There was plenty of powder in safe areas.
 
Confirmation now. Skier did die in the East Vail chutes. Anybody venturing into those chutes today after a foot of fresh snow over night can only be described as an idiot. In this case a dead idiot who took an unreasonable risk. Fresh powder is great and it was great today but it's not worth losing your life for.
 
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Confirmation now. Skier did die in the East Vail chutes. Anybody venturing into those chutes today after a foot of fresh snow over night can only be described as an idiot. In this case a dead idiot who took an unreasonable risk. Fresh powder is great and it was great today but it's not worth losing your life for.

BINGO!!!

All of these skiers could still be alive enjoying the fresh powder if they had skied in designated areas deemed safe.

It is sad. Tragic actually.

Maybe the person above will heed your sound advice.

Probably not.
 
Ski areas opened up back country access IMO for two reasons :1) to let people use their own judgement and reap the rewards, or suffer the consequences and 2) to pimp out the 'Adventure' Lifestyle in exchange for them making more $$$$$$$$$$$.

It's like America right now : careful what you ask for .


A little background and briefly not all of it ...............I have been involved with avalanches : Been in a few unfortunately . Scariest one I lucked out and there was going to be a limited pocket of snow which I swam for life for about 800 feet . Scary about that one was it stopped right where the chute/ couloir narrowed and continued for another 2,500 feet. Another : A friend went 1800 feet and caused search and rescue including helicopter. I was 20 feet away from him perfectly safe on the ridge . He disappeared from our view in about 30-45 seconds. Back in the day : I didn't have a cell phone never thought of that (and mind I don't like it as a rescue crutch) the third in the party did and asked should we call 911? We both believed we had witnessed our friends sure death as a 400 meter crown fracture x 18" hit him and took him around a blind corner. Yes I said call 911 ! SO ...............

Proceeding down hill and taking the risk of being on the same aspect as the avalanche so I could get visual ...something/ anything. I embarked to look over the cliff that obstructed where my friend MAY.... be . I remember how the terrain sloped steeply off that cliff and me skiing from steep small tree to steep small tree in case the snow moved . I would be for sure swept over , and in that moment I had very sharply had on my mind Doug Combs , one of the very best extreme skiers whom died going over a cliff in a quasi similar situation trying to get status of a skiing partner.

Finally I peered over enough to see a gigantic avalanche below. In the very bottom at that precise moment I could just barely see a body struggle out of the snow. He then walked up hill about 30 yards and planted a ski in the ground !!!!!!!!! Our friend was indeed alive and I could tell he was not injured at all. SO.........one minute and 35 seconds after we made the phone call 911 I yelled up hey !!!! he's OK call 911 and tell them . Well , I learned something about 911 that day : when you call , no matter where you are or your situation they have a protocol to follow through and make sure . The helicopter guys were the best . Windy conditions ........they show up with a big grin :)

My take is kids will always be kids . And it's very interesting as a social note that the more snow science education one gets statistically the more likely one dies in an avalanche. My personal take is there are alot of people getting lucky out there for the most part . JMHO cheers
 
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I was watching a show on avalanches and they said that groups will go and purposely cause avalanches with explosives after a big snowfall. Just to prevent skiers getting caught up in one. Guess nobody did that in these cases.
 
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I know in the "why would anyone go into the ocean looking like a seal..." thread you asked why - the answer is simply because it is ****ing fun - after reading many of your posts I am not sure you really understand what that means. As for this thread - let me state, I am an experienced BC skier and have taken the necessary courses to understand the danger of each situation from a snow aspect. But there are a couple of things that can never be taught in those sessions, meaning even with experience and training the situation will never be 100% safe. So why do people go out into the BC - again because it is fun and not a Disneyland experience that someone from a Hedge Fund (I looking at you Robert Katz) thinks you want and that generates shareholder returns. There are a couple of issues that are compounding danger this year - Across much of the West snow has been sporadic, which means that you have snow layers that fell and have been exposed to thaw/freeze which means that subsequent snows will not bind well - these weak layers at or near ground level which means when the snow that has since fallen slides off that weak layer you get big avi's - the individuals who died outside Silverton were covered by 20 feet of snow. Second 2020 factor - is that resorts are not open to their full capacities which means that many people who have no idea what they are doing are now in the BC. That puts them at risk but what it means for experienced users is that to get the same experience you need to go out father - this means harder to get to by S&R, it means that if something happens your partners are father away from cell coverage, etc. - SO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN - choose your partners and terrain carefully. I have friends who are S&R volunteers and they just shake their heads when we discuss the situation in CO this year but for you to just dismiss these deaths as "another smart move!!!" just shows what an ass you are! Maybe this post gets me banned - whatever, I am mostly a voyeur on this site but as someone who actually could have an intelligent conversation about BC skiing and to a lesser extent surfing you come off simply as a jackass. - Stick to your UNC BB fellating of Duke - at least you seem to know how to talk about that with your mouth full.
Have you and other powder hounds seen this doc:

Amazon product ASIN B01MYZU1RK
Wish I could go back in time and follow through on my idea to ski bum for a few years
 
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Have you and other powder hounds seen this doc:



Wish I could go back in time and follow through on my idea to ski bum for a few years
I was not an Air Force member........you had to be sort of special quietly bad boy . Was friends with many in the movie and many more AF that were not . Many funny stories. I graduated PSU and blasted out to be a ski bum with $154 dollars in my pocket circa 1990. My family was like WTF . Best of days , and I had good luck at The Jackson Hole Ski Resort.
 
I was watching a show on avalanches and they said that groups will go and purposely cause avalanches with explosives after a big snowfall. Just to prevent skiers getting caught up in one. Guess nobody did that in these cases.
Vail ski patrol will bomb areas that are avalanche prone areas. You can see the black on the slope where they bomb. This is done in bounds. They don't bomb the back country. The East Vail chutes are well known to be very dangerous. They are outside the area. People go there at their own risk. Many have died. Years ago they had the opportunity to add those chutes to the area. They declined.
 
Another skier buried today in East Vail. Status unknown but probably dead. Easy Vail chutes are not part of Vail but are easily reached from Vail. Avalanche danger is high after a big dump overnight, about a foot. Lots of people have died in the East Vail chutes. Stupid people. Especially today. There was plenty of powder in safe areas.
Heavy snowfall coupled with warm days shortly thereafter = enhanced avalanche danger.
 
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My one son does a lot of back country split board adventuring in the great Northwest. He has axes, shovels, crampons, avalanche beacons, ropes and whatever other gear he needs to be as safe as possible.

A typical day starts at the base of the mountain at 5 am hiking and split boarding in several miles until reaching the destination. There they gear up and take one long glorious run down the mountain before calling it a day. It is exhausting and he seldom does two runs in a weekend. Sometimes they camp out the night before if it is going to be an particularly arduous trek to the top.

The pictures and video he has sent me are spectacular. He is 30, in great shape, adventurous and it’s what he does. Fortunately he usually texts me when he is down From his run. He has certainly seen parts of this planet I have never seen.
 
These back country skiers even have avalanche vests, still doesn't always beat mother nature.
 
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Well spoken.. No insults necessary.

Paragraphs would be appreciated next time.

The point IS, if they would have made better decisions (fun or no fun) they'd still be alive.

Now, as for the jackass, have you looked in the mirror lately. Remember my words when the snow covers you totally and you take your last possible breath.

Or what if, YOU cause an avalanche that gets others killed. You sound like you'd blame it on the dead people experiencing bad luck I'm sure.

And look at the title again: "GOOD" but deadly times folks!

I'm sure you skiing where you do is a {rush} a {high} like none other but,.....you are more valuable and appreciated to those that love and know you while you're alive sir.

I simply do not want anybody to become a statistic sir. Even you.



You're also a dook fan, huh?

:) ;) :)
Glov - a couple of questions for you:
1) Do you know what the CAIC is?
2) Have you read the preliminary CAIC report on the Middle Fork avalanche?
3) Were you with these 7 skiers (I guess that is another question - did you know there were 7 in the group?), do you know the decisions and work that they did before the avalanche?

I ask these questions because I don't particularly appreciate your painting all BC users with the broad brush that you did. Your response to another poster about the death in the east vail chutes and then questioning whether I would heed his advise is telling because you have no idea what I have or haven't skied this year. You just seemed to make the assumption that because I identified as a backcountry skier that I must always ski in the BC. This is simply not accurate.

Now, do I believe that there are stupid people in the backcountry? Yes I do and there seem to be plenty more this year.

Does education and experience mean that you are immune to the dangers inherent in the backcountry? No, it absolutely does not! Let me state one thing about my BC philosophy, the most important aspect of any BC day is the beer afterwards! I say that so you understand that if the conditions are not favorable and within my groups risks limits then we skip it and go right to the beer.

I want to end this with three things:
1) I apologize for using the language I did towards you, that was not necessary.
2) Here is a link to a tragic accident that happened in an area that I think you would admit was "safe" (your quote - All of these skiers could still be alive enjoying the fresh powder if they had skied in designated areas deemed safe.) https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jan/07/deadly-in-bound-avalanche-at-silver-mountain-highl/
3) Finally, I will leave you with this: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...B4D18FBC28A5615A7702B4D18FBC28A56&FORM=VDQVAP - As another poster asked you, do you cower in fear in your basement when the wind blows?




 
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My one son does a lot of back country split board adventuring in the great Northwest. He has axes, shovels, crampons, avalanche beacons, ropes and whatever other gear he needs to be as safe as possible.

A typical day starts at the base of the mountain at 5 am hiking and split boarding in several miles until reaching the destination. There they gear up and take one long glorious run down the mountain before calling it a day. It is exhausting and he seldom does two runs in a weekend. Sometimes they camp out the night before if it is going to be an particularly arduous trek to the top.

The pictures and video he has sent me are spectacular. He is 30, in great shape, adventurous and it’s what he does. Fortunately he usually texts me when he is down From his run. He has certainly seen parts of this planet I have never seen.
You posted a pic of him hiking before, throw it up.
 
Glov - a couple of questions for you:
1) Do you know what the CAIC is?
2) Have you read the preliminary CAIC report on the Middle Fork avalanche?
3) Were you with these 7 skiers (I guess that is another question - did you know there were 7 in the group?), do you know the decisions and work that they did before the avalanche?

I ask these questions because I don't particularly appreciate your painting all BC users with the broad brush that you did. Your response to another poster about the death in the east vail chutes and then questioning whether I would heed his advise is telling because you have no idea what I have or haven't skied this year. You just seemed to make the assumption that because I identified as a backcountry skier that I must always ski in the BC. This is simply not accurate.

Now, do I believe that there are stupid people in the backcountry? Yes I do and there seem to be plenty more this year.

Does education and experience mean that you are immune to the dangers inherent in the backcountry? No, it absolutely does not! Let me state one thing about my BC philosophy, the most important aspect of any BC day is the beer afterwards! I say that so you understand that if the conditions are not favorable and within my groups risks limits then we skip it and go right to the beer.

I want to end this with three things:
1) I apologize for using the language I did towards you, that was not necessary.
2) Here is a link to a tragic accident that happened in an area that I think you would admit was "safe" (your quote - All of these skiers could still be alive enjoying the fresh powder if they had skied in designated areas deemed safe.) https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jan/07/deadly-in-bound-avalanche-at-silver-mountain-highl/
3) Finally, I will leave you with this: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...B4D18FBC28A5615A7702B4D18FBC28A56&FORM=VDQVAP - As another poster asked you, do you cower in fear in your basement when the wind blows?

Yawn!

All of these skiers could still be alive enjoying the fresh powder if they had skied in designated areas deemed safe.

It is sad. Tragic actually.

Maybe the person above will heed your sound advice.

Probably not.

Just let me know what kind of flowers you want me to buy for your grave site.

"Here lies Ski-bunny boy who didn't listen to sound advice when skiing."
 

Why are people skiing in such big groups? Three is the perfect number. IMO any more is a liability. Have been invited on hut trips in CO with 10 and 16 !!!!! people . NO thanks . You become a sheeple
 
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Why are people skiing in such big groups? Three is the perfect number. IMO any more is a liability. Have been invited on hut trips in CO with 10 and 16 !!!!! people . NO thanks . You become a sheeple
Son 1 drove home cross country by himself after Christmas and hit all kinds of mountains in CO + Jackson Hole. On 2 occasions he hooked up with a random riding buddy in the parking lot and once in a lift line. A too big group is zero fun.
 
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