Revy avalanche

[Jaynelson]

I've rode in revy when the danger has been high.

Now we're hearing all the comments from non-snowmobilers that the warnings were high and nobody should have been out there. I

There are terrain choices that are sensible when the avi danger is high in Revy, or most other places.....turbo hill does not fit that description. Sorry but this thinking is what's causing damage to the image of snowmobiling. "We know the risks" doesn't translate to "we can poke the biggest hill on the worst day and get away with it." The only thing #2 translates to is "we don't care if we get caught in an avalanche," which is exactly what the news and outsiders think.

Living in BC my whole life, I have rarely seen avalanche danger more highly publicized than last thursday/friday. The warnings were there and masses of snowmobiliers said F U.....plain and simple. That's why the news is being "unfair," however, can you blame them? I think it's fantastic that people on scene were equipped and knowledgable enough to do what they did with the situation....downright amazing and nothing less. However, on that day, with the warnings in place.....it would have been more surprizing if there wasn't a large avalanche.

 

[turboal]

in an interview this am i explained to the reporter that had this incident taken place 10 years ago a good chance the death toll would have been higher .
over 40 complete burials and a few taken . this is a testiment to the good equipment and the concerted effort with in the sledding community in the mtns to insit that all have a shovel , probe and beacon and know how to use it .this showed saturday that the message is getting out there .
the tough part to learn is the terrain identification aspect of riding in the mtns .
as on our highways here , when it snows the over head information boards state the conditions and the driver is now informed , what you do with the information is up to the individual . same in the mtns .
be and get as prepaired as you can and try and make good decisions .
ride smarter , not harder .
my condolences to the family of the two that died .

 

[-MKlim-]

There are terrain choices that are sensible when the avi danger is high in Revy, or most other places.....turbo hill does not fit that description. Sorry but this thinking is what's causing damage to the image of snowmobiling.

But the name Turbo hill should not even be brough up in your statement. If someone is into taking the risk to sled during high avalanche time, what does it matter what hill they go to.

Think about it there is a equal chance that a slide could happen on boulder when you first break into the alpine. The first little pull in there is long and steep enough to start a pretty severe slide.

Its just by chance that this accident was at Turbo Hill.

 

[sledskiing]

For someone on this forum to start pointing fingers and trying to blame this on the guy that cut over the guy that was stuck. (GET A FU%^K#N LIFE) Do you actually think that is nessasary at this time. Like Please!!

-MKlim-

Point taken. Post edited

 

[OT Bar & Grill]

The only guy to blame are the organizers of the event and no one else.

Lets all pretend that this is OK. And everyone in the media or who was not there doesn't have a clue and there just bashing the sport.......Some of you fawking people need to wake up and smell the coffee and stop trying to sugar coat this tragedy while looking an excuse.

Ot

 

[summit-x]

in my opnion thats bullshizzz^^^ it doesnt matter about the organizers, this may sounds wrong but the only one to blame is your ownself people seriously!!! if u new the avy danger was high then why would u go to it?? ohh ya this person organized it so lets all just blame him even tho we can do what we want and make our own decisions and not go!! come on people grow up if u think the organizers should be blamed your all wrong, think before you speak seriously, lets stop pointing fingers at people and pullin stuff out your azz, sorry for being harsh but if u think about it its true!!!

 

[OT Bar & Grill]

in my opnion thats bullshizzz^^^ it doesnt matter about the organizers, this may sounds wrong but the only one to blame is your ownself people seriously!!! if u new the avy danger was high then why would u go to it?? ohh ya this person organized it so lets all just blame him even tho we can do what we want and make our own decisions and not go!! come on people grow up if u think the organizers should be blamed your all wrong, think before you speak seriously, lets stop pointing fingers at people and pullin stuff out your azz, sorry for being harsh but if u think about it its true!!!

The organizers should of had the balls to cancel the event due to poor & dangerous conditions. That way the organizers would have freed themselves from the dipshiz of liability they now face.

OT

 

[summit-x]

i believe everybodys old enough to make there own decisions and that day they should have thought about there decision, the organizers dont need to make decisions for you, there not your mom or dad, in my opinion but everybody thinks differently

 

[Kootenay-Stomper]

The word is Ozone was NOT at Turbo when the slide occured. I agree we should not be pointing fingers.

Doc's wife Nell

Agreed, How would it be his fault anyways? it an avalanch they can happen anytime anywhere. you cant blame anyone for this.

 

[Oregongirl]

It time to honor the heros (my open letter to the media)

Please feel free to distribute this message on forums, to the media, etc. If you want a pdf copy to distribute send me an email at susie.rainsberry@comcast.net

It’s time to honor the heros.
Written by Susie Rainsberry
March 15, 2010

It’s been several days now since the tragic avalanche at Turbo Hill. The latest reports are that two are deceased and three are still hospitalized. The media is also reporting that there were 200 snowmobilers at Turbo at the time of the slide. The avalanche is reported to have been up to 150 meters wide and 10 meters deep. That, my friends, is a BIG avalanche!

I’d like to put some perspective on this – a snowmobiler’s perspective. Apparently no one in the media is a snowmobiler or is concerned about taking the time to gather the facts – not just the bad, but the good as well. And there is good to be heard in this story. If you ask a snowmobiler – they’d be able to tell you what that is. But either the media isn’t asking, or has heard it and doesn’t feel that the facts are newsworthy.

However, I feel these facts are the MOST newsworthy topic of this entire tragedy.

Saturday afternoon, following the close of the events for the annual Big Iron Shootout, a large group of snowmobilers headed to Turbo Bowl to make a run at the hill. As the riders lined up at the bottom of the hill, the mass of spectators parked their sleds and prepared to enjoy the show. As one of the sleds turned out towards the top, the hillside gave way. Thundering down the mountain it came – taking sleds and riders with it. This powerful act of nature happens in a split second. There is no time to react.

The time to react is as soon as it stops. And react – with speed and knowledge – in the midst of chaos – is what those sledders did. There were no typical first responders to this catastrophe in the immediate moments following the avalanche. Only snowmobilers. Those same snowmobilers that the media is painting with a broad stroke as crazy, ignorant, thrill-seekers.

As a back country snowmobiler myself, I can tell you that ignorant is not a word that I would use to describe those survivors. I would call them heroes! And justly so. In the midst of what may have been the most terrifying minutes of their lives, they turned their avalanche beacons to search, they got out their probes and their shovels and they started rescue protocols IMMEDIATELY – likely while in a state of shock. They dug out those that were buried, they triaged the injured, they administered first aid, they built fires to keep them warm until the helicopters arrived. These people were heroic!! Without their quick and educated responses, many more people would have died.

I am angered that the media is so eager to report this story that they are being so disgraceful to the victims and survivors. These people need support and compassion. They do not need to be stereotyped and degraded in the media or by anyone else. Shame on you!! Didn’t your mother teach you better manners than that?

I’m not done though – there is way more information about snowmobilers in respect to the Big Iron Shootout and Revelstoke that the media hasn’t covered yet. While they gleefully report that this is an unsanctioned (I’ll get to that in a moment) event drew 200 sledders (despite the grave warnings from the avalanche center), what they aren’t telling you is that there are likely double that number of snowmobilers who DIDN’T attend this year’s event – because of the conditions. Snowmobilers who DID heed the warnings.

As I was reading the snowmobiling forums and Facebook on Saturday evening, the same story continued to repeat itself – people concerned about friends who generally attend the BIS, those friends checking in and saying they didn’t go this year, or they were in the area but avoided Turbo Bowl because of the warnings and the conditions they were already aware of. You see, back country snowmobilers are often in the back country two or more days a week and already have first hand insight to the conditions.

Regarding the word being used in almost every story – unsanctioned. It is true that there is no sanctioning organization for this event. Not the town of Revelstoke nor the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club. However, just because it’s not sanctioned does not mean that it is illegal.

Snowmobilers often gather in large groups to ride with friends who are generally dispersed all over Canada and the United States. I personally rode with a group of 30 riders at an “unsanctioned” event in Wyoming. Oops! I also rode at another “unsanctioned” event, ummm, better make that two, here in Oregon. Rest assured, I am not a criminal nor are any of the snowmobilers that I know.

The internet keeps the snowmobiling community connected. There are 1,000s of unsanctioned events that simply start by someone saying, “hey – who wants to ride this weekend?” Next thing ya know, word spreads about how much fun everyone had and it snowballs from there (pun intended). They grow into these annual events…”same date next year?”

So, here’s what happens next – the date is set. Motel rooms are reserved. Trucks and sleds are fueled. Vacation time is requested. Then individuals, families and social groups all head into a remote mountain town. They buy. They buy. They buy a lot!! They spend money – because they can.

It is with great sadness that I have to dispel the myth that mountain snowmobilers are a bunch of rednecks. All you really need to do is add up the costs to outfit an individual – much less an entire family – with a sled and the proper safety gear. Since this article is really targeted at those individuals who are not mountain sledders, I will point out that everything – got that?…EVERYTHING, on your person and on your sled is part and parcel of your survival gear. From your gloves, to your coat, to the sunglasses in your backpack. Trying to save a dime in buying a coat is really not advised, when that coat may be the only thing protecting you from the elements if you have to stay overnight. With all that said, here’s a run down of estimated costs of the primary accessories needed to sled in the back country.

• Sled $6,000-$14,000 USD
• Clothes (including base, mid and outer layers – top & bottom) $800-$1,200 USD
• Boots/gloves/helmet $245-$800 USD
• Backpack (non-avy) $60-$120 USD
• Backpack (avy) $1,000-$1,200 USD
• Body armor (tek vest, knee pads, etc) $60-$300 USD
• Beacon, probe, shovel $250-$400 USD

This doesn’t include a lot of items, such as matches, radios, compass, fire starter, flashlight, and the list goes on, and the costs add up. It would be GREATLY appreciated if the media would STOP perpetuating the myths that sledders are ignorant, beer-swilling, couch-potatoes. Because it’s simply not true.

The fact is that mountain sledders do not fit a stereotypical mold. They come from all areas of the business world…from CEOs to millworkers. They have families and they are single. They are old and they are young. They are world-class athletes and they are physically handicapped. They survive corporate down-sizing, cancer, divorces, etc….just like everyone else.

The thing that binds us together is our great love for the back country in the winter. We are modern day adventurers. We want to get out there – in the mountains. We want to explore and play and wonder at the beauty. We love the snow! When it covers the trees, when it flies up in our faces, when it gives us a playground of vast proportions. That is when we are in heaven. That is when our souls glow.

We are not anything that the media will have tried to make us out to be in the last couple of days. We are so much more. It’s truly a pity that the media isn’t interested in shining any light on the truth.

The truth is - the Turbo Bowl avy survivors are HEROS. We in the snowmobiling communities – far and wide – are praying for the full recovery of those injured, in body and in spirit. And finally, with great compassion and sympathy we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished.

I wrote this and I am Susie Rainsberry, Oregon resident, back-country snowmobiler. I provide free and complete liberty for others to share and disperse this message. The time has come to stop the slandering of good individuals just because they ride snowmobiles.

 

[moto.racerx]

Very sad

http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/deadly-slide/#clip276804

 

[OT Bar & Grill]

If the organizers were not there to police there event, that puts the organizers even deeper in the hole.

OT

 

[-MKlim-]

The only guy to blame are the organizers of the event and no one else.

Lets all pretend that this is OK. And everyone in the media or who was not there doesn't have a clue and there just bashing the sport.......Some of you fawking people need to wake up and smell the coffee and stop trying to sugar coat this tragedy while looking an excuse.

Ot

WOW, have you ever been involded in the Big Iron, do you have any idea how it started, do you know the people that race in it or the people that used to organize it????

Maybe if you knew any of these things you would now know that it is UNORGANIZED, and it has been organized for years. Its just a bunch of guys trying to have some fun.

But thanks for you 2 cents

 

[skibreeze]

The organizers should of had the balls to cancel the event due to poor & dangerous conditions. That way the organizers would have freed themselves from the dipshiz of liability they now face.

OT

The people on the mountain are ultimately responsible for their own safety. We have organized events here like the forum ride and spring fling. I would never blame the guys that help to organize it.

 

[summit-x]

i agree

 

[doo-skiboy]

OK here we go
I lost 2 of my best friends and co-workers in this event. I knew both of the guys that passed away and was very much involved in both of there life's. They were both best friends and business partners.
Before I go much further I have talked to both of there wifes and given statement to all kinds of press. I want to let all my fellow friends and internet friends know that we (The 2 wife and myself) are not pointing any fingers and we all find it very hard to think of why people would try to press charges. I know and have read this thread a lost of times and would just like to stress that this is no ones fault at all and would like everyone to know how we felt.



Shay was a very good and experienced sledder he really enjoyed sledding and loved to get away to the mountains, he worked very hard so he could play even harder. One thing he all way told me was "if he had to go he wanted to go from the top of the world". Shay was the one at the top of the hill so I feel he wish was answered.

This was a once a year trip for Kurtis and he really enjoyed coming to enjoy a sport that his partner was very passionate for. This was his second trip and he was really enjoying himself. He work very hard and love to play. with his family and friends



Both men will be very much missed and remembered
I will keep everyone posted on when the Funerals will take place

I really appreciate all the positive comments and I have also past them on to the family's
THANKS SNOWEST

Mike Harker

 

[moto.racerx]

The people on the mountain are ultimately responsible for their own safety. We have organized events here like the forum ride and spring fling. I would never blame the guys that help to organize it.

the gov guys say that exact thing;
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/deadly-slide/#clip276821

 

[OT Bar & Grill]

Sorry guy's it's the organizers responsibility to provide safety for all in attedance. No saftey measures were taken that day it's very obvious.

This is what happens when an organizer does not give a hoot to even minimize the risk on the slope after heavy snow fall.

PS: Do you guy's think Mike Wiegle's Heli Skli company didn't do avy control around the slope of revy prior to allowing there skiers to ski the powder that day ?

OT

 

[snowmobiler]

sorry ot,your wrong.

 

[-MKlim-]

Sorry guy's it's the organizers responsibility to provide safety for all in attedance. No saftey measures were taken that day it's very obvious.

This is what happens when an organizer does not give a hoot to even minimize the risk on the slope after heavy snow fall.

PS: Do you guy's think Mike Wiegle's Heli Skli company didn't do avy control around the slope of revy prior to allowing there skiers to ski the powder that day ?

OT