Close call - avy on Whiskey Hill 2/24

[FUAC]

Trent and Craig put together a video describing the close call accident on Whiskey Hill. Another learning experience that could have been a lot worse. http://vimeo.com/37416489

 

[snownman]

Huge concrete slabs...

on top of ball bearings=Meat grinder.

 

[acutah]

I'm sure it was all you could do in making this video to control yourselves from throwing down a beat down on these guys. This year you don't have to be an avalanche expert all you have to do is watch the news.

I will certainly never be the guy on here who trashes someone for getting in an avalanche like so many do. But come on, if your going to hit the hills how about a shovel, probe and beacon. Common sense seems to be optional these days, but lets get the basics.

Thanks UAC for all your hard work!

 

[built4dtuff]

I've always hated whiskey hill. Always wind blow! Just look at the trees at the bottom! They are hammered from all the slides!! Lucky guys for sure!!

 

[Bigrock33]

Where is Whiskey Hill?

 

[JedInUtah]

@Bigrock- It is on the backside of Monte Cristo

Looks like 3 guys that got a real quick lesson in preparation and investing in some avalanche gear.
At least checking conditions before venturing out next time.

Glad this one turned out for the better.

 

[smokindodge]

Thank you for the awesome video, I will send it to many people

 

[SledsWest]

Trent does a GREAT job of letting these guys show everybody how dumb they are. Get the gear, get the education or stay out of the backcountry.

 

[duke1n]

Almost each and every time in these after the fact videos, someone climbs up under a huge slab still sitting on top of the slide to explain how dangerous it is. Hmmmm...

 

[FUAC]

hmmm- the reason they climb up under a big fracture is that all the weight pulling down on that slab has been released. I have never heard of a slab release again up higher. To the side, yes, but not above. Right under a big crown feels spooky but is a pretty safe place to hang out. The destructive energy & the weight pulling down is gone.

 

[Snowbird11]

Almost each and every time in these after the fact videos, someone climbs up under a huge slab still sitting on top of the slide to explain how dangerous it is. Hmmmm...

as trent explained it is generally a safe place to be after a hard slab has release. if it were a soft slab with a significant amount of crown left above, you might consider not being under it if another trigger (snowmobiler/skier) were to come in on top of you. those can still release, though usually they tend to only move a short ways above the crown face.

 

[phatty]

For the bulk of users on this site I say we are pretty well educated about Avys, terrain, and equipment. Most of us take our riding serious.

These guys look to be weekend warriors. Props to these guys for taking the time to be interviewed and sharing their experience with people. Im glad the UAC was able to interview them and give insights to others. These are the types of people we need to be able to reach out to and educate, before the mountain schools them for us.

Looking at the hill, I can easily see any number of us side hilling through the trees etc. the difference is that we have proper equipment in case of emergency.

Sketchy stuff out there right now. Be prepared!

 

[DRAPE]

So glad these guys are ok. I grew up with these guys and I believe the extent of their snowmobiling is a dude trip once a year. The guy that was buried actually has a lot more snowmobiling experience that the 2 guys interviewed. I'm sure this will be a life changing experience for them.