Close call on Sunday

[CO 2.0]

This slide came down seconds after a buddy and me dropped down into this basin at Fremont Pass on Sunday. Very close call. When I looked back for my buddy as I was climbing back up the other side (in a safe zone) of the basin I saw it was already stopped. Didn't know how close it had come to him, but I'm guessing way too close. The snow was setup well and this was a sun facing slope. We dropped in where I thought would be safe, but I was wrong. I was in a big avy at american lakes a couple years ago and have been very cautious since then. Have stayed off climbing steep slopes because of the high avy danger. Thought I was far enough left dropping into the basin, but obviously wasn't. What really scared me about this one is that I didn't see or hear it. The majority of the snow came to rest right over our tracks. Probably 10ft deep ice chunks. Live and learn. Be cautious the rest of the season out there fellas. Don't want to hear about any more statistics.

 

[skibreeze]

That's a big one, glad you weren't in it.

 

[Mtn-Track]

The idea that the mtn came down right behind you and you didn't know it gives my spine a good tingle. Glad you and your buddy didn't get hit with it. Looks like the slab broke darn near at the ground surface. Scary stuff!

 

[BackCountryBob]

Did you buy a LOTTERY ticket?

BCB

 

[tudizzle]

crazy to think your could have got swept up and never known it...


especially for that crappy snow!

 

[CO_MapMaker]

Fremont Pass between Copper and Leadville? Looks like chicago ridge in the background.

If so, seen a few there also.

I think I bought your buddy's windshield when he got that M8 last fall.

 

[glennz]

Caulk Mt. area? That's the same area White Mt. Tours rides the rental sleds out of, 3/4 way down Freetmont ?

 

[CO 2.0]

Fremont Pass between Copper and Leadville? Looks like chicago ridge in the background.

If so, seen a few there also.

I think I bought your buddy's windshield when he got that M8 last fall.

Yeah I think you are correct. It's the first basin to your left when you get up top. Who did you buy the windshield from, JP?

 

[CO_MapMaker]

I love that area, if you get up on that ridge it opens up a to a huge area of riding.

I have seen that hill slide before, and the one in the background.

I think his name was Jason?

 

[CO 2.0]

I love that area, if you get up on that ridge it opens up a to a huge area of riding.

I have seen that hill slide before, and the one in the background.

I think his name was Jason?

Ya there is a ton of cool terrain up there, but I know it slides a lot. Snow wasn't very good though. Was wondering if the south side of the highway is legal to ride? Looks like some good stuff over there too. I don't see anything saying it's wilderness.

Was riding with Jason the day before this slide.

 

[CO_MapMaker]

Ya there is a ton of cool terrain up there, but I know it slides a lot. Snow wasn't very good though. Was wondering if the south side of the highway is legal to ride? Looks like some good stuff over there too. I don't see anything saying it's wilderness.

Was riding with Jason the day before this slide.

I think the south side is Ok, but have to be real careful with Climax Mine property. I noticed there are a bunch of new gates installed this year on the north side with the opening of the mine. The day I rode there the snow was the worst I have ever seen, we packed up and left. I have done some mapping up there for the mine, so I need to look at my files and try and figure out their boundaries.

Some guys from leadville claim you can find the RR bed on the south side and follow it to the leadville mining district.

 

[Goinboardin]

Remote trigger?

I did the same thing Saturday just on smaller scale. Ski dipped into a small tree well and I immediately saw fractures high above me. Didn't hear anything. Just kept riding to get out of the runout zone. When I made it to a safe spot I turned around and my tracks were covered in 5-6' of debris.

 

[mtncrawler]

White Mtn Tours is no longer here and neither is the old log cabin warming hut. The parking area was not plowed at all this year until 10 days ago. Climax mine has no tresspass signs spaced about every 100 yards on their property line. Don't be surprised if we lose this area too. Ideally Lake County or the Town of Leadville would see some economic benefit to having the area stay open and use political pull to keep it that way. The best thing we can do is spend some money in town and make sure the business owner knows why we're here. Also, for the south side of the highway I heard last year some sledders were heavy ticketed to "get the word out" but I don't know if those were Climax tresspassing tickets or what. I think going in at Buckeye is ok but there's no parking.