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AVY on Powder Mtn

Here are a few after thoughts on the slide.

Out of respect for the family I'm not going to get into too much specific detail. I'm sure they and others are already having a very tough time trying to cope with the loss, I dont want to start saying, "if this was done" or "that shouldn't have happened" etc. I will however make a few key points that I feel could make any burial rescue more effective and preventable.

1- One person on a hill at a time.

2- In the event of a burial, make sure EVERYONE has their beacon set to search NOT SEND. This may sound like a given, but in the event of panic, some people cant think straight. If you cant figure out your beacon, take the batteries out, simple. Chasing around an unnecessary signal can rob valuable time.

3- If your carrying a cell phone, or any other device that transmits radio waves turn it off during the search.

4- Spend the 20 seconds to organize the search and the digging. Yes it is hard to stop and regroup when a fellow sledder is buried and fighting for his life, but that will be time very well spent. As others arrive on the scene have someone dedicated to addressing them.

5- This would be strictly IMO, If your in the middle of the backcountry, time would be much better spent, searching, probing, or digging than trying to get reception to call S&R. If they are going to have to send a chopper out, chances are by the time they got their it would be too late. Put that energy towards locating and exposing the victim.

6- Take the time to go over the small details like the above with your buddies in the parking lot before each ride. Keep it fresh in your mind.


Yesterday went from one of the best rides of my life (bluebird, deep pow, sled running excellent etc) to an absolute tragedy in a matter of moments.

A heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the search, and rescue attempt, an unimaginable amount of effort was put into saving this man's life from friends and strangers alike.

RIP Dennis and condolences to friends and family.

Feel free to critique this post, correct me or add your 2 cents, I'm no expert and any words of wisdom can only benefit all.
 
Very Sad indeed! Dennis loved life and lived it well! I have known him since the late 90s and cannot get his face and voice out of my head. It could have been anyone of us so PLEASE be avy savy and take all the precautions necessary to play safe!

RIP Dennis......you will be missed! :brokenheart:
 
I feel your pain. Always a joy to watch him try and do things you thought couldnt be done. Definately one of the best laid to rest. He was a great guy always having a great time.

My condolences to all :face-icon-small-sad
 
Sled-Fiend-

I like your list of points but would like to make one suggestion. One person in the group should take control immediately after an avy- ideally the person with the most training and leadership skills. That person should then ensure that each person has their beacon on search. I know at least with my model that taking the batteries out requires a screwdriver and takes a few minutes to do. It'd be faster for the group leader just to ensure that it was properly set. Also, people need to keep in mind that some beacons are designed to revert to send after a period of time.

Your point about someone taking the time to coordinate the search and dig are absolutely spot on. In the avalanche training I've done and the actual rescue scenarios I've studied, the presence of a leader coordinating the events is invaluable at speeding up the rescue time.

For folks that haven't seen how it's done, BCA has a video out called "Take Charge: Leading a Companion Rescue" for doing group rescue that shows how the leader can handle the search resources (including people) and rescue coordination. Snowbigdeal.com sells it. I thought it was well done.
 
Yesterday riding into Grizzly Lake to help get Dennis' sled out I could not believe my eyes. The hill that let go we have all climbed countless times. I've climbed it many times thinking it was the safe one to go up. Quite often going up and over to other areas that we love to play in. I've been ridding here for 15 years and never seen that part of the hill let go.

Call it fate, bad luck, risk, or even poor judgement. Riding sleds in the back country regardless of absolute care places all of us at some sort of risk. Our passion for the sport is so overwhelming we will continue to do what we do. We lost a true friend who's passion for this sport and how he felt evertime he got on his sled is something only those that have felt it can put it all into some sort of perpespective and truly understand what it all means. When you lose someone you lose part of yourself but we will all continue to ride looking over our shoulders at our wingman beside who has the same smile that puts us into this back country paradise. So long buddy don't worry I'll keep smiling for ya.
 
TRAINING...TRAINING....TRAINING......I cant say it enough. It is no good to have the equipment if you dont know how to use it.

Is there a way that we can enforce the avy training? How can we, as riders, make people aware? How can Harris Publishing or Snowest contribute to making people aware? How can the OEM's contribute? So many questions and it really just comes down to the individual and COMMON FREAKIN SENSE. There are so many courses available out there and some of them actually take place on the mountain in avy terrain.

Buy a mtn sled...buy the riding gear....buy the avy gear....get the training.

If you can afford to ride the mtns.....you can afford the training.

Nuff said !!!
 
SledsWest said:
Anybody have any advice or ideas about what to do if the person buried is the one with a cell phone, SPOT, GPS, etc in their pocket?
Click to expand...

From what I've read it's only beacons on receive that get interfered with by other electronics in close proximity, so the buried rider's devices should not interfere with their transmitting signal. Regardless, I turn all my stuff off on my person except my beacon when riding, just in case.
 
Training is important, yes. We all as sledders understand the inherent risks involved in riding the mountains, and unfortunately, avalanches are one thing we can't control. We can do everything we can to minimize the risk, but it is still always there. I never met Dennis, but it sounds like I would have liked him. It could have been any one of us in that situation. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
 
Unfortunate for sure...

God only takes the good one's! He was obviously a great man, sounds like he touched alot of people. I feel for his Family and friends. Prayers, Ben.
 
Never met Dennis, have buddies that knew him.

very sad to hear, thoughts and prayers with family and friends.

RIP
 
The most recent article finished like this:

He added that it's crucial for backcountry snowmobilers to carry avalanche equipment and practice using it.
Click to expand...

Was the group not properly geared up? Or was that just a general comment?
 
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