3 killed in Stevens Avalanche

[Cascade Addiction]

Be careful out there tommorow guys, I was in Gallagher deep yesterday and Lake Ann and Van Epps on wednesday, with all the new snow since Friday conditions are prime for some fast moving slides and human triggered are a definate. Three killed this morning on skis by Steven's Pass and they were experienced back country travelers. We were pushing lots of snow yesterday that wanted to slide and would definately be dangerous conditions today and tommorow. Be prepeared and check snow stability yourself, don't rely on others or the generic avy report, BE SAFE!!!

 

[cpatts2000]

The avy report is not generic, it predicted the avy on the correct aspect. If you know how to use the report it is a great tool, not 100%, but almost. This is very sad, my regards to the families and friends

 

[tek9tim]

Very experienced backcountry travellers. One was a good friend of mine.

Avalanches don't care if you're dumb or smart if you're in their way.

 

[turbo seahawk]

yesterday a guy was burried on adams survived.sorry to hear about the snow boarders

 

[winter brew]

It was sliding in the CleElum area yesterday like i have never seen before!

 

[glaciermonkey]

lots of natural releases yesterday on glacier creek. saw slides in places that i never see go. we were getting 3-4 inches an hour for a few hours, that takes some time to consolidate.

sorry to hear about the guys at stevens

 

[trikerider]

Skier/boarder was also swept over a cliff by a slide near Alpental, he also died.

Sad Stuff.

 

[Cascade Addiction]

generic

The avy report is not generic, it predicted the avy on the correct aspect. If you know how to use the report it is a great tool, not 100%, but almost. This is very sad, my regards to the families and friends

I'm not saying "generic" in a bad way, but I hear too many people that like you said, don't know how to read report and say It's only high between 6-7K on NE facing slope and go tear it up in unsafe terrain because it's only considerable on that slope and think they're safe, the avy report is a great tool that too many need an education on, and before I get ripped for that comment, I am not saying those that lost their lives did'nt know how to read one. I just want people to be more aware, I spend too much time in the backcountry watching those that have no right being there, like the post above, an avalanche doesn't care how experienced you are, and from some of the things I've seen this winter I am surprised the total fatalities are'nt higher. My prayers go out to the loved ones of those lost, please be safe fellow riders!!!

 

[RAMBOB]

Stevens, Tunnel Cr: My ol home country...Sad times in Leavenworth and Skykomish. My thoughts are with the loved ones!

 

[Snodawg]

Yesterday we were riding near Bald Mountain, when my buddy (brother-in-law) had his sled roll over the top of him on a small hill. I waited for him at the bottom of the hill. He was in the process of righting his sled when two other riders showed up and went up the hill near him and stopped. This is when I tried to ask them why they went up there. One guy on the hill at a time. They apparently thought I was angry with them and the cussing war began. I apologize to them for my lack of "people skills" but the fact remains when someone gets stuck on the hill, it's their responsibility to get down safely. They thought that they were being helpful and I applaud them for that. One guy said he went up to the right side of my buddy, but the entire slope could have slid. I was not trying to piss anybody off, just didn't want to get dig someone out of an avy (including them). Maybe next time we meet, it will be on better terms.


So sad to hear about the avy deaths. I read that a woman slide down the 1500' avy with the three men that died. She had an "avalanche safety device" which I would assume to be an avy pack.

 

[tomx]

This has been on my mind all day, just rattling me. I hate to hear of tragedies in the BC. Condolences to friends and family. It just blows my mind given the skill level of the group, the given conditions, and recent weather pattern. Human factors.

This is a pretty good write up if you want more details:

http://espn.go.com/action/freeskiin...avalanche-washington-stevens-pass-kills-three

 

[cpatts2000]

I'm not saying "generic" in a bad way, but I hear too many people that like you said, don't know how to read report and say It's only high between 6-7K on NE facing slope and go tear it up in unsafe terrain because it's only considerable on that slope and think they're safe, the avy report is a great tool that too many need an education on, and before I get ripped for that comment, I am not saying those that lost their lives did'nt know how to read one. I just want people to be more aware, I spend too much time in the backcountry watching those that have no right being there, like the post above, an avalanche doesn't care how experienced you are, and from some of the things I've seen this winter I am surprised the total fatalities are'nt higher. My prayers go out to the loved ones of those lost, please be safe fellow riders!!!

Thank you for clarifying, I agree 100%, Avy deaths hit me hard and I get a little abrasive. I miss my best friend.