8 missing in avalanche near fernie

[Red-eye]

To many quotes to answer. The Sarwood boys did it right. They were not high marking. They were not in the bowl. They went up on a old skidder trail to the edge of the trees where the ridge overlooks the bowl. This is the spot where everyone sits out of the danger zone. No one recalls this area sliding once never mind 3-4 times. Even one rescue tech said that he could not believe that this area slid. This was a freek thing that nobody would have anticipated. They thought the area was safe to search for their friend. We didn't think there was enough snow to be dangerous. These boys didn't want to risk the roads to go to Golden, do you think they wanted to risk there lives anywhere else?
I didn't say being prepared isn't right, but when everything is stacked up against you, nothing will save you. Remember you won't get in a car crash if you don't get in a car too! PLease live as safe as you can, but still live. Thats what these boys did. Thanks for all the kind thoughts and wishes.

 

[H2SNOW]

To many quotes to answer. The Sarwood boys did it right. They were not high marking. They were not in the bowl. They went up on a old skidder trail to the edge of the trees where the ridge overlooks the bowl. This is the spot where everyone sits out of the danger zone. No one recalls this area sliding once never mind 3-4 times. Even one rescue tech said that he could not believe that this area slid. This was a freek thing that nobody would have anticipated. They thought the area was safe to search for their friend. We didn't think there was enough snow to be dangerous. These boys didn't want to risk the roads to go to Golden, do you think they wanted to risk there lives anywhere else?
I didn't say being prepared isn't right, but when everything is stacked up against you, nothing will save you. Remember you won't get in a car crash if you don't get in a car too! PLease live as safe as you can, but still live. Thats what these boys did. Thanks for all the kind thoughts and wishes.

Im with you completely ....ex Paramedic involved in multiple avy calls and seen everything inbetween .........sh1t happens .....preperation is 25%......conditions take up the other 25%............mother nature is quite happy takin up the other 50% ........

some will some won't so what next ...

condolences

I watched more people leave this world than come in ...delivered 3 babies and seen ////can't even remeber how ,many going the other way ...........never fun

 

[Original Tetonice]

I more amazed at how many of you are suprised this has happened.

OT

 

[Red-eye]

Carefull please OT. After IDing our friends it was anounced that there was a bus arranged for the people that were in distressed, so they didnt have to drive home in that condition. We chose to drive back as it snowed 6-8 inches in 4 hrs.and as usual the roads were not plowed. I said just our luck that the bus would get in in an accident and make this worse. If that would have happened what would be the difference?

 

[H2SNOW]

I more amazed at how many of you are suprised this has happened.

OT

smarten up OT ............sh1t "HAS" hit the fan and many are trying to figure out what to do

 

[theultrarider]

Carefull please OT. After IDing our friends it was anounced that there was a bus arranged for the people that were in distressed, so they didnt have to drive home in that condition. We chose to drive back as it snowed 6-8 inches in 4 hrs.and as usual the roads were not plowed. I said just our luck that the bus would get in in an accident and make this worse. If that would have happened what would be the difference?

I can't imagine what you guys are going through. I wont even try to find words. Just know you guys are in the minds of many. Thank the heros in your town. They are surely going to need freinds. RIP to the others.

 

[Motley Doo]

I feel sick reading through these posts. My thoughts go out to those friends, families, and searchers. And to those who lost there lives, may you have deep fields of pow and endless shoots.

 

[Red-eye]

For what I know of all of this, All I can say is I would of done the same thing, nothing different. So I am just like the one that we lost on that day. I'm OK with that! I will continue to ride as safe as I can , mfor my friends would want that. If there comes a time that I need to help a fellow man, I will make my choices and live or die by them. Thanks again for the heart felt replies and make the new year bring joy.

 

[Flange]

Has anyone seen photos of the debris and search area? I think we could learn more from this tragic event if we had a better idea of what the area looked like.

 

[H2SNOW]

Its pretty much one of those wrong place ,wrong time ...sh1t happens deals ...the big conductor in the sky decided that it was time to punch some tickets ......the only way to avoid that tradgedy would have been not gettin out of bed that day ....no one to blame . no course and definately no amount of equipment was going to change the outcome .......

curtain closed with 8 roses on the stage left standing and "Amazing Grace" playing in the background....."Rest In Peace" boys

 

[moyiesledhead]

On behalf of the Cranbrook Snowmobile Club, our deepest sympathy's go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy. Pictures or not, I believe we can all learn from this.

 

[travis]

A heartfelt sorry to all the families and friends. Lives have been lost and I can't amagine the pain you all are feeling. I have never lost multiple friends at one time and hope I never do. To the ones that made it out with your lives.....You all are HERO'S and don't think for one minute that you made the wrong decision to leave the area. The three of you made it out with your lives, If you had stayed there would have been three more lives lost. Remember all your friends for who they were. Keep there memories alive for there children. A rose for each life that has been lost.

Travis O'Shea

 

[MAC29]

Its pretty much one of those wrong place ,wrong time ...sh1t happens deals ...the big conductor in the sky decided that it was time to punch some tickets ......the only way to avoid that tradgedy would have been not gettin out of bed that day ....no one to blame . no course and definately no amount of equipment was going to change the outcome .......

curtain closed with 8 roses on the stage left standing and "Amazing Grace" playing in the background....."Rest In Peace" boys

Amen.

 

[MARCUSO]

Video of survivor

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-ca&brand=sympatico&tab=s160&vid=4557893d-4709-4c93-b44a-032c41a14117

This is gut wrenching. It will leave him emotionally scarred for the rest of his life..

 

[wilsonck]

I couldn't have sat there giving that interview, but I am sure it helps him grieve to talk about it.

Here is another link to it where he gives a 15min interview with more details.

http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup_nlp.html?http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/news/features/jeff-adams081231.wmv

 

[superdoo]

.

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!

yup, I remember that. its funny how not being there gives people the right to pass judgement.

 

[AShilman]

My thoughts and condolences go out to the families of the riders....

Just a couple of curious questions....Maybe Red-Eye can chime in cause I'm not familiar with the area...

The avy reports said slopes had been ripping all day long, any idea why they were still playing in a high warning area? I know we all get excited, and wanna ride, but this seemed like a good day to sip beers at the bar or play in the meadows...

You also said that you didn't think there was enough snow to worry about anything sliding, if there is enough snow to ride, there is enough snow to slide...

Again, not trying to stir anything up, just looking for possible insight, it seems to me that with 8 guys, someone might have chimed in a said, "Wait a sec guys, I'm not sure about the snowpack"

Remember, take an avy1 course and learn how to use your gear, and practice, practice, making sure whoever you ride with knows there stuff too...

One thing I haven't seen mentioned here, but should be worth noting is... You are out there to prove a negative....Meaning look for signs not to go, not signs to go, or look for signs of instability, not signs of stability. Something to keep in mind next time you're digging your pit.

Again deepest sympathies to friends and families of the riders...

 

[BlindBayBoy]

Thoughts and prayers to the families. It's just heart wrenching. The survivors will need all of our support.

 

[Interceptor]

The avy reports said slopes had been ripping all day long, any idea why they were still playing in a high warning area?

I dont know if it has been mentioned in this thread but according to the CAA the risk was "considerable" and not "high" when these boys headed out in the morning.

Godspeed boys - my sympathies go out to the victims, the families and the survivors

 

[HANDSOME]

I think it is time they include an avalanche course with every mountain sled purchased.

The dealerships should offer this and tack on the costs to the sled.

OR:

make it MANDATORY, like the boating license, and have it required to operate a sled in AVY terrain.

I totally agree with that and as well a local club membership.