Kid dies in inbounds avy at Vail - Snowboarding Forum

linvillegorge · 01-22-2012, 08:37 PM

Vail skier dies in avalanche | VailDaily.com

Terrible tragedy, but it was 100% his fault.

Ducked a rope to hit an unopen run that was prime avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was off the charts today.

WasatchMan · 01-22-2012, 08:52 PM

At brighton today we had a minimum of 1 or 2 ski patrol the entire day, waiting along the ropes of the only un-open terrain at the resort (avalanche(s) just begging to happen) I've never seen that before, but it was obviously necessary.

I also could not believe the amount of BC lines I could see people doing on the way down the canyon. WTF

Still sad even though it was his fault, that age just doesn't go well with "DO NOT ENTER" signs... fucking kids...

linvillegorge · 01-22-2012, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WasatchMan

I also could not believe the amount of BC lines I could see people doing on the way down the canyon. WTF

Yep, you see it all the time.

Loveland Pass being closed all day today probably saved someone's life.

SchultzLS2 · 01-22-2012, 09:06 PM

Sucks big time but....they close runs for a reason. Nobody's fault but his own. Just can hope the message gets out and more people start to obey the warnings for their own safety.

linvillegorge · 01-22-2012, 09:13 PM

I think a lot of it is just ignorance, no offense to the deceased, I'm just speaking in general. Runs can be closed for any number of reasons. However, avalanche danger is by far and away the most dire reason for a run to be closed. I think a lot of people just don't realize or maybe overlook the fact that a run is closed because it's likely to avalanche.

Anyone that has the slightest clue about avalanches knew that today was NOT the day to be ducking ropes into closed off avalanche terrain. Anything that wasn't open today that was anywhere close to 30 degrees or more was absolutely off limits to anyone who has a clue.

Argo · 01-22-2012, 09:13 PM

That's a damn shame, 13, he should have been taught by parents to use extreme caution and avoid shit like that. My son is not allowed in any trees or back bowls without one of my adult crew with him. Vail seems VERy good about marking dangers too. I have not met a 13 year old kid that is mature enough to handle that kind of situation yet, my son has been riding for 6 years and is 12.... I can't imagine the feelings the parents had when their son didn't arrive

Argo · 01-22-2012, 09:14 PM

That area is definitely steep and for sure had a lot of snow loaded up on it if they had not set off charges there in the past few days.....

ScottVD · 01-22-2012, 09:24 PM

Totally sad story- got me thinking though, if I found myself in an avalanche what would I do? Is there any general advice? Keep riding down straight or to the side- when it hits are you just toast or what? I'm sure the best practice is avoidance and awareness- but assuming by whatever circumstances you got some snow sheeting off above you- what's next?

Found this from an avalanche awareness website, kinda dreary-

If you are in over your head (not near the surface), try to maintain an air pocket in front of your face using your hands and arms, punching into the snow. When an avalanche finally stops, you may have only a few seconds before the snow sets up and hardens. Many avalanche deaths are caused by suffocation, so creating an air space is one of the most critical things you can do. Also, take a deep breath to expand your chest and hold it; otherwise, you may not be able to breathe after the snow sets. To preserve air space, yell or make noise only when rescuers are near you. Snow is such a good insulator they probably will not hear you until they are practically on top of you.

Above all, do not panic. Keeping your breathing steady will help preserve your air space and extend your survival chances. If you remain calm, your body will be better able to conserve energy.

BurtonAvenger · 01-22-2012, 09:25 PM

Almost lost a friend in the Beavs today. It's just not safe. Oh and kids are stupid.

Argo · 01-22-2012, 09:36 PM

I asked my son what he would do, decent answer from a 12 y/o. He said if it's behind him he said he will haul butt away and to the side to get away. He said if he is in it he will angle to the side and keep trying to swim out of it trying to stay on top.... I guess watching all the snowboarding movies of BC shit helps.....

I feel bad for the parents and unfortunately probably know them....

01-22-2012, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
linvillegorge Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 4,540	Kid dies in inbounds avy at Vail Vail skier dies in avalanche \| VailDaily.com Terrible tragedy, but it was 100% his fault. Ducked a rope to hit an unopen run that was prime avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was off the charts today. __________________ "People say that marijuana smoking is going to get in the way of my career. I say to them that on the contrary, my fighting career is getting in the way of my marijuana smoking." -Nick Diaz

01-22-2012, 09:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
linvillegorge Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 4,540	I think a lot of it is just ignorance, no offense to the deceased, I'm just speaking in general. Runs can be closed for any number of reasons. However, avalanche danger is by far and away the most dire reason for a run to be closed. I think a lot of people just don't realize or maybe overlook the fact that a run is closed because it's likely to avalanche. Anyone that has the slightest clue about avalanches knew that today was NOT the day to be ducking ropes into closed off avalanche terrain. Anything that wasn't open today that was anywhere close to 30 degrees or more was absolutely off limits to anyone who has a clue. __________________ "People say that marijuana smoking is going to get in the way of my career. I say to them that on the contrary, my fighting career is getting in the way of my marijuana smoking." -Nick Diaz

01-22-2012, 09:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
BurtonAvenger Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mountains Posts: 8,168	Almost lost a friend in the Beavs today. It's just not safe. Oh and kids are stupid. __________________ Angry Snowboarder Because someone has to call it how they see it!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-22-2012, 08:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
WasatchMan Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 1,023	At brighton today we had a minimum of 1 or 2 ski patrol the entire day, waiting along the ropes of the only un-open terrain at the resort (avalanche(s) just begging to happen) I've never seen that before, but it was obviously necessary. I also could not believe the amount of BC lines I could see people doing on the way down the canyon. WTF Still sad even though it was his fault, that age just doesn't go well with "DO NOT ENTER" signs... fucking kids...

01-22-2012, 09:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
SchultzLS2 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 215	Sucks big time but....they close runs for a reason. Nobody's fault but his own. Just can hope the message gets out and more people start to obey the warnings for their own safety.

01-22-2012, 09:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
Argo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Vail, CO Posts: 2,002	That's a damn shame, 13, he should have been taught by parents to use extreme caution and avoid shit like that. My son is not allowed in any trees or back bowls without one of my adult crew with him. Vail seems VERy good about marking dangers too. I have not met a 13 year old kid that is mature enough to handle that kind of situation yet, my son has been riding for 6 years and is 12.... I can't imagine the feelings the parents had when their son didn't arrive

01-22-2012, 09:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
Argo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Vail, CO Posts: 2,002	That area is definitely steep and for sure had a lot of snow loaded up on it if they had not set off charges there in the past few days.....

01-22-2012, 09:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
ScottVD Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oakdale, CA Posts: 60	Totally sad story- got me thinking though, if I found myself in an avalanche what would I do? Is there any general advice? Keep riding down straight or to the side- when it hits are you just toast or what? I'm sure the best practice is avoidance and awareness- but assuming by whatever circumstances you got some snow sheeting off above you- what's next? Found this from an avalanche awareness website, kinda dreary- If you are in over your head (not near the surface), try to maintain an air pocket in front of your face using your hands and arms, punching into the snow. When an avalanche finally stops, you may have only a few seconds before the snow sets up and hardens. Many avalanche deaths are caused by suffocation, so creating an air space is one of the most critical things you can do. Also, take a deep breath to expand your chest and hold it; otherwise, you may not be able to breathe after the snow sets. To preserve air space, yell or make noise only when rescuers are near you. Snow is such a good insulator they probably will not hear you until they are practically on top of you. Above all, do not panic. Keeping your breathing steady will help preserve your air space and extend your survival chances. If you remain calm, your body will be better able to conserve energy.

01-22-2012, 09:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
Argo -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Vail, CO Posts: 2,002	I asked my son what he would do, decent answer from a 12 y/o. He said if it's behind him he said he will haul butt away and to the side to get away. He said if he is in it he will angle to the side and keep trying to swim out of it trying to stay on top.... I guess watching all the snowboarding movies of BC shit helps..... I feel bad for the parents and unfortunately probably know them....