Caught in a slide...

[Rush44]

A big part of MITIGATION is making sure you are controlling the elements that are in your control. Climbing above someone is an unnecessary risk that you can easily control.

Where in this video did he climb above anyone? It was a solo event.

 

[Mcx Nytro]

I know you probably mean well, but I think this might be a little out of place. Are we really going to beat each other down simply because someone climbed a hill in the winter? It's what we do.

It would be nice if avalanche training and safety equipment ensured that you would never be involved in a slide, but we all know that isn't the case. What does avalanche training and preparedness allow you to do? MITIGATE. You look at the signs, calculate your risks, and then take what you feel to be appropriate action.

I know that the only way I could be 100% safe was to simply not go out. I could stay at home, sell the sleds, and wash my hands with this sport. Some of us may do that after a close call and the rest of us will understand. For me, hanging it up isn't an option. I choose to take calculated risks for the sake of doing what makes me feel truly happy and alive.

Maybe I came across wrong, what I was trying to say is that there are enough dangers already, without adding to them. The revy slide WAS caused by someone doing this, as was the slide in owls head a few years back. I think that this video should be posted JUST as a reminder of how easy, how fast,it WILL happen. We know the risks but after having ridden for 40 years, you (should) learn a thing or two. When I was young I had that immortal feeling, like it would NEVER happen to ME, but it has 3 times and 2 of the times were my own stupidity. I was lucky enough to outrun 1 and the other I saw at the last second and headed for the trees, and it was 20' deep. I just don't think we can over-emphasize the need for caution, not to the point of quitting... just to have a great time....but come alive for our loved ones. I was refering to the post by HeadedNW and I have seen it happen way the HE!! to much...sorry if I ruffeled any feathers....Terry

 

[James T Kirk]

Where in this video did he climb above anyone? It was a solo event.

Was refering to "headednw's" quote...

 

[corydoneen]

Wow. I never would have looked at a hill like that and thought about an avalanche until now. I am from Alaska, where the "hills" are much much bigger than what I have seen here in Idaho, it hasn't even occurred to me to take my beacon or probe with me when riding here. And just a couple weeks ago we were playing on a hill that looks a lot like the video with trees on it, but probably taller, none of us even considered an avalanche.
Good post.

if your ridin anywhere in the mtn west you should have your beacon and probe strapped on your a$$ every ride and it should occur to you to take it with you read the avy reports for anywhere in idaho!