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Human triggered avalanche on Stampede Pass

From: Bent
Sent on: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 10:08 PM

 

All

I just wanted to share this story with everybody as it reiterates the importance of avalanche awareness. 

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Snomobiler-dug-out-of-avalanche-on-Stampede-Pass-137938768.html

These are the types of slopes we find when hiking to Source/Snow Lake and other places. The video is a great reminder how an insignificant seeming hill side can generate an avalanche completely burying someone in seconds. Following are a few observations with additional comments from Val included:

  • The snowmobiler was fortunate his friends were close by and able save him. Apparently he was completely cemented in and couldn’t move. Snow in his helmet obstructed his breathing. Reminder: Don't hike alone and space out in open areas like these. Maintain visual contact with hiking buddies at all times in potentially hazardous areas such as open slopes. Not only when ascending but also on the way back. Shovels, avalanche cords, beacons, etc should be part of the gear.
  • The snowmobiler didn’t know what to do. He could have escaped by moving away from the avalanche run out zone or he should have tried to swim to the snow surface. Instead he ran and dove into the avalanche? Swimming to the surface takes a heroic effort. Even when being at the upper top of the avalanche. It’s best trying to get away in the first place. Reminder: Be avalanche aware and know what to do when an avalanche comes at you.
  • The avalanche was triggered by human activity. Most likely it would not have released on its own. Reminder: Watch out for activities above you (snowmobilers are obvious, but not always other snowshoers, BC skiers, etc.). Your own hiking party above you could release an avalanche. Survey the hill sides at all times. When ascending (when facing the hill side) everybody is typically cautious. But, when descending (when not facing the hill side) people often become complacent, stay in clusters, go directly down and disregard all rules.

The potential avalanche danger on this hill side appeared benign. Reminder: observe the avalanche triangle, have an understanding which snow conditions can lead to an avalanche, stay away from avalanche run out zones when avalanche danger is elevated. As Val always points out the avalanche rose provided by the NW Avalanche Center is very often not accurate. Don’t rely on it as the sole source for predicting avalanche conditions. Use your own judgment.

Be safe in the mountains

Bent

Kirkland, WA

Founded Feb 13, 2011

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