First Avalanche of the Season

[sanity]

Thanks for sharing! We so often only hear about the ones with the bad endings. Nice to hear one where the preparedness pays off.

 

[TheHardWay]

Thanks for sharing, and glad nobody died.

Out of curiosity, was the rider wearing an air bag pack?

Also, with regards to checking your beacon:
It is a good idea that someone mentioned about the lead rider checking to make sure everyone's beacon is working. However, I will add that it would be an even better idea if everyone checked theirs in both the receive AND transmit modes. It will take up more time, but at least you will know that EVERYONE'S beacon is functioning the way it should be in the event of an emergency.

 

[BC_mtn_rider]

We would all be lying to say its not our biggest fear. Thank god it worked out ok! Have a great & safe season everyone!

 

[Koog57]

We had several guys in our group with the avalanche back packs but this rider did not have one.

 

[bwylde]

Wow, close call! Glad it all turned out well. When ya least expect, expect it.. I just finished the classroom part of AST 1, and in 2 wks will be 2 full days on mountain class with our sleds. Everyone riding should have it under there belt. Sure opened my eyes..

 

[Mort2112]

Word is spreading.....

KTVB in Boise picked this up too http://www.ktvb.com/news/Snowmobiler-survives-weekend-avalanche-near-McCall-182101201.html I'll be watching for this segment. Every year I see stories in the news about snowmobilers getting caught in avalanches, and every year it scares the hell out of me that it could always could have been me. As the poster said above, I think the consensus is that this is everyone's worst nightmare.

You know, I've always told myself that I don't highmark and therefore shouldn't really need one. Not anymore. I'll be riding my first season in Idaho as a resident (this will be my 29th actual season, and I'm 39 ) I don't have a beacon currently, but rest assured I'm shopping this week. Thanks for sharing your story. Glad everyone made it home.

 

[TheHardWay]

Here's a scary fact I learned at Mike Duffy's avalanche class. Most avalanches occur on faces with 30-37% slopes. If you think about it and take a look, 30% isn't that steep. Many of us spend lots of time on steeper stuff. Don't ever assume that because it isn't extreme, that you are safe.

 

[wrench2race]

get yourself an avy pack or vest with an air bag, too. From what I've read, they work awesome and your chances of survival go way up compared to a beacon by itself. There's used ones available cheap, too. I don't like the extra weight on my back, so I don't put much in it to keep it light.

 

[Koog57]

So far the story has made it in the news in Boise and Spokane. I am glad word is getting out to raise awareness. Most people don't think of avalanches this time of year.

http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Dusty-Eller-McCall-avalanche-182110431.html

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Snowmobiler-survives-weekend-avalanche-near-McCall-182101201.html

http://www.nwcn.com/news/idaho?fId=182101201&fPath=/home&fDomain=10227

http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Dusty-Eller-McCall-avalanche-182110431.html

The story has also made it to www.sledspace.com and I know Joydigger will have an article out soon. Thanks!

 

[phatboyfilms]

Quick side note on cking beacons:

- start ur ck at MAX reception distance THEN move closer together. If you start close & walk away it may falsely show working as it will hold that signal that was locked in at close range.

Hope that's not too off topic, just sharing something I wasn't aware of till recently.