8 missing in avalanche near fernie

[Wade]

The surviving group of three assessed the slope stability and their surroundings. They were located in a large bowl with massive cornices ready to come down. Based on their risk assessment of the possibility of a third avalanche, they began walking out. Eight snowmobilers are now unaccounted for. All 11 snowmobilers involved are males from the nearby town of Sparwood.


Imagine making this call............a lot of thoughts would be running through your head. I cant possibly grip the theory of leaving your group burried.

That would be the toughest call you could ever make.

Don't anyone FRACKING dare say anything negative about these guy's decision. It sounds like they stopped and saved a life, and got him out alive. Their Heroes in my book. Their lucky to be alive.

Not pointing this at you Tuesday, your cool.

 

[H2SNOW]

Just watched the noon news and got the latest update they are releasing to the public. 8 missing, all wearing beacons, 15 searchers are on the ground right now digging and they are choppering in more. 2 police dogs also. It's been 22 hours. If you believe in God pray for a miracle cause thats what we need right now. Nothing is impossible. Christ I just feel sick.

same here

 

[uac]

The survivors that had to make the very difficult decision on whether to intiate a rescue made the right decision by not exposing themselves to the potential of another avalanche. You cannot justify putting more lives in danger to recover people who may already be dead. This is a very tough decision to make. Another reason to be educated about avalanche terrain; so you know whether you are going to be in danger during a rescue.

 

[Alberta Boy]

That would be the toughest call you could ever make.

Don't anyone FRACKING dare say anything negative about these guy's decision. It sounds like they stopped and saved a life, and got him out alive. Their Heroes in my book. Their lucky to be alive.

Not pointing this at you Tuesday, your cool.

Unfortunately, I too had to make a decision like that... we chose to leave a person on the hill (that was more prepared to spend the night than the rest of us) as there was a possibility of more people being harmed... Myself and others in the group got crucified for making this decision!!! It was the hardest thing that I have EVER had to do! That was the longest night of my life.

I don't wish that decision on my worst enemy... still think about it all the time and it happend 3 years ago!

 

[wweverett]

x2. block off all the steep sh!t and only have groomed trails and open meadows.

Thats all we need more f**king goverment regulation!!!! Maybe people should use there heads and not ride when dangers are high in those spots.

Oh, and before you start bashing 5 years ago I lost a great friend because he, I, and my friends were stupid, we had no avy gear and his brother went to help him stuck on a hill. We thought we were to "good" of riders for that to ever happen to us. http://www.avalanche.org/proc-show.php3?OID=17531

By the way only 3 of us still ride out of that bunch because we are pr*cks when it comes to the rules.

As for the 4 that helped the guys already buried, you did what I would have done and my hat goes off to you.

NO MORE LAWS, ENFORCE THE ONES WE HAVE!!!!!

 

[Mrs Snowrider]

We were supposed to be at Cottonwood the day the slide happened at Gravel Mtn. 285 was closed. There was our sign!

This is sad. This has to be the worst year yet for deaths! Big sleds are cool, but they get you into places perhaps we shouldn't be! RIP.

We were out yesterday at Cottonwood Pass, Colorado. Slide activity everywhere. When we stopped, we coud all feel the snow drop all around us. (settling) We stayed in the meadows. Still people were out under chutes, loaded hills etc.

Alot of diffrent layer out there. We have had snow, sun and wind constantly. We saw natural slides everywhere. When we were getting our sleds unstuck, we were pulling slabs of snow just tuggin on the skis. I guess we were digging snow pits with our sleds, a good time to look at conditions.

Enjoy the beauty of the mtns, but respect their power. Sad

 

[jlowe]

if these 8 are lost...that's 14 dead snowmobilers in the last 7 days (US/Canada). not cool.

jeff

 

[boosted metal]

thinking about these guys and their family's all day,thoughts prayers w them,let us know if anyone has updates

 

[graveler]

there is nothing worse then recovering a Lost friend, in anything that is meant for fun!!!

 

[Rock Star]

UAC/Brett,

your words are so true. thank you for your efforts and your thoughts.

These men were all skilled and prepared. This was just location and fate. A bad decision about where to stop or whether to even be out that day at all.

Just TRY to keep yourselves AND each other safe.

may all these men RIP.

 

[Trukker]

Very sad indeedR.I.P

 

[Bull]

it is beyond horrific for those involved. i concur with the kudos to the guys that tried to help and then got sacked themselves. there seems to be a lot of food for thought here, even beyond the traditional avy considerations..i.e., hill slope, wind loading, snow conditions, etc.... most (unfortunately, not all....read grand lake this weekend) will honor the "one on the hill" rule. but how many of us will wait and send one of the group at a time across a flat area that is in a run out zone?? sounds like that is a bit of what happened here. what if it is a mile long flat, would most notice? i wrote last year about having a long conversation with a world class backcountry skier in my area....i was shocked to have him tell me that in close to 20 years of skiing some of the most challenging terrain in the world he has NEVER personally witnessed a slide. do you think he is that lucky, or has that much sense....i think the latter. he says it scares him sh*tless and he makes conservative choices. they sound like good ones to me. the issue of new sled capability is very valid.....especially with the proliferation of turboed sleds. i have certainly experienced being the "sally" sitting out of the way at the bottom of the hill while others choose to venture on snow i am not comfy with....doesn't bother me, as i lost my manliness long ago anyway, from this situation it also points out that decisions YOU make could put your buds, or good samaritans at risk or make them face a very difficult and possibly controversial decision...to NOT attempt a rescue. i for one would be P.O.'ed to have to make either decision. hillclimbing is not my major love in backcountry riding, so i don't get exposed as much just for that reason. i always ride with beacon, shovel, probe, SPot. even when we are not going to ride ANY terrain that could slide i wear mine just for the possibility of what happened here....coming upon a group that needs help. my thought process is to carry the equipment and ride like i forgot it. it should be like herpes.....avoidance is the safest bet.

 

[Blu Du]

6 bodies found 2 missing
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,473784,00.html

 

[Veedy]

RIP fellow sledheads. The whole thing makes you feel numb. We were riding in snorkle deep pow for 3 days , staying off the big stuff, playing on small hills and open meadows. The signs were there, and the avy reports to back them.

 

[TS Drag Racer]

Been to Canada twice this year to sled. Really feel for my Canadian brothers and their families right now! RIP

 

[sledhead_2002]

it hurts to hear this, sad to say the least, its a time of year to enjoy family and friends not lose them. RIP

play, but play safe

 

[Icedog]

I can't imagine having to turn away from my buried buddies and start walking away. Condolences to the surviviors; and to the families of those the mountain claimed. RIP

 

[SnowBigDeal]

My prayers go out to all the families & friends involved. Horrible day for many! RIP

 

[GODEEP]

What chitty news....

 

[Yamamauler]

Sad news & tough decisions, I can't fathom the agony of having to make the decision to leave the hill.
My thoughts and prayers to all who are involved in the avy and the recovery...

Y