Sicamous avalanche

[RMKcowboy]

the 3 involved had NO avy equipment!!!

That doesn't seem like a very smart decision... if they had the equipment do you think this guy would have lived?

I don't carry a beacon because I don't put myself, or anyone I take out in harm's way.

My theory- plan for the worst so that when it doesn't happen, you can feel better about the day you had. You or your group may not put yourself in harm's way, but someone else in the area might be riding a slope above you and cause a slide... just a thought. Carrying the gear and not needing it is a lot easier than needing it and not having it!

 

[Bulldog Racing]

This is ridiculous. We all have the ability to think for ourselves. When people say that an avy course is too expensive, or the proper gear is too expensive, have a look at what you have to loose, and put a price on that. It's unfortunate, and very sad, and I feel for the individual lost in this tragedy, but come on people. Pay Attention. If you can afford a $15000 sled, and a truck to haul it to the hill, I really don't think $500 is going to break the bank. If it is -- STAY HOME.

 

[welfare turbo]

Thoughts and prayers to the family. My buddies and I do alot of sledding up in that area and I know exactly where that slide was. We have seen it slide before. We do not even let people sled with us, wives and kids included unless they are wearing and know how to use their peeps. If you are going sledding in the mountains please take a beacon with you. If you can't afford one borrow one. You can rent them from Eagle Valley Marine just north of Sicamous cheap! If you don't have one on then you can't find anyone else that is burried. I know everyone knows this but why does it still happen? Come on guys it is up to the guys with the experience in the groups to set the example and to look after your friends. I hope this is the last time we have to say goodbye.

 

[bwinters]

My condolences to the family of the departed.

Life is fragile, especially when you do what we do.

His friends made the right choice to save themselves, finding him in time burried in avalanche debris like this without a beacon was a million to one chance.

 

[Snowjunky]

I have 2 friends I go with all the time. Neither of them own beacons. Both could if they chose. Both say they dont ride in avy terrain. Both have been riding ten times as long as I. Both are exceptionally talented riders. I bought 3 beacons 3 shovels and I got me an ABS bag. I didnt buy them beacons and shovels. I bought me 1 and 2 for whoever I take.
I was on a hill saturday before I totalled my sled and decided to turn around because I didnt like the hill next TO THE TRAIL. My opinion is that people dont know what it is all about. You cant ride a jetski till your 16 and you have to have a class. Cant drive a car till your 16. Got to have a class to get your license. Cant fly a plane, boat, car, motorcycle any of them. Polaris could offer beacons as a standard option like a fuel tank. Would anyone on here say no if all 3 manufactors did it? More rules and regulations always get me going, but this seems a no brainer. Go to get your tags and they ask for your snowmobile safty class certification.

RIP for our brother sledder.
May the hills in heaven have you wishin you had more power.

 

[david R]

first of all my condolences to the family. but that's bull. rules don't make you safer you idiots. safety is a personal responsibility. if you want to climb hills and stuff during avalanche conditions your an idiot but ppl should be allowed to be stupid. besides avalanche's happen. maybe you didn't know this but sledding is dangerous if you want to be safe take up poetry or something. ppl just take this safety crap to far. saftey isn't someone else's job it's your own. start taking responsibility for your actions.

 

[Sunridge Sledhead]

Any avy news is saddening, maddening, and affects anyone who rides a sled in the backcountry!

Life changes everyday! Do your part to not let yours' and/or your family and friends lives change through such tragedy!

My heart goes out to the family, friends and rescuers!

 

[RMKcowboy]

I was on a hill saturday before I totalled my sled and decided to turn around because I didnt like the hill next TO THE TRAIL.

Very good point! This is being argued on another site... "I only ride trails so I don't need a beacon." Maybe true, but like I said, what about the slope ABOVE the trail? What if someone else decides it looks like a good place to play and it lets go?
My theory- I'd rather carry my beacon for 30 years and not need it than to need it once and not have it. Chit happens, may as well be prepared. It's not like the thing weighs 50 pounds, once you get used to the strap you don't even know its there.

 

[RMchick]

I've ridden Owlshead before and know the spot where these guys were, it's really sad to hear about the loss of this guy and hits awfully close to home, my thought to his loved ones...

I was just thinking, that lots of people think that sledding is stupid to begin with and I've had a number of heated discussions with people about it. So I'm not sure if people have looked into it before or not, but what about having a beacon built right into a sled? I mean there are enough people who are willing to take the risk because they don't like wearing them, and if the cost of the beacon was included into the cost of the sled, I bet less people would complain about the price. It seems like a lot less when you tack it on to 15000 you're paying for your machine.

 

[Trukker]

I have 2 friends I go with all the time. Neither of them own beacons. Both could if they chose. Both say they dont ride in avy terrain. Both have been riding ten times as long as I. Both are exceptionally talented riders. I bought 3 beacons 3 shovels and I got me an ABS bag. I didnt buy them beacons and shovels. I bought me 1 and 2 for whoever I take.
I was on a hill saturday before I totalled my sled and decided to turn around because I didnt like the hill next TO THE TRAIL. My opinion is that people dont know what it is all about. You cant ride a jetski till your 16 and you have to have a class. Cant drive a car till your 16. Got to have a class to get your license. Cant fly a plane, boat, car, motorcycle any of them. Polaris could offer beacons as a standard option like a fuel tank. Would anyone on here say no if all 3 manufactors did it? More rules and regulations always get me going, but this seems a no brainer. Go to get your tags and they ask for your snowmobile safty class certification.

RIP for our brother sledder.
May the hills in heaven have you wishin you had more power.

Problem is if the manufacters offered up Beacons as part of the deal then they would have to be some what responsible....=Getting Sued!

 

[Zachcreek]

first of all my condolences to the family. but that's bull. rules don't make you safer you idiots. safety is a personal responsibility. if you want to climb hills and stuff during avalanche conditions your an idiot but ppl should be allowed to be stupid. besides avalanche's happen. maybe you didn't know this but sledding is dangerous if you want to be safe take up poetry or something. ppl just take this safety crap to far. safety isn't someone else's job it's your own. start taking responsibility for your actions.

Congratulations David R. One post and you have shown that you are a moron. Snowjunky is making a intelligent point, that I agree with. With the license comes education. They implemented a hunter safety program to ensure education on handling a weapon properly. State registration should come along with the education needed to get it. Overnight survival skills, sled operation, Av safety. etc

Ultimately, the ones that get caught and killed are only the primary casualties. The next ones in are the first on the scene, then the S&R personnel. With proper education, everybody may be at home another night.

Sorry to everybody involved about commenting out of context, I have been involved with avs in S&R for years in Colorado. Proper education may prevent some deaths.

 

[Beels]

first of all my condolences to the family. but that's bull. rules don't make you safer you idiots. safety is a personal responsibility. if you want to climb hills and stuff during avalanche conditions your an idiot but ppl should be allowed to be stupid. besides avalanche's happen. maybe you didn't know this but sledding is dangerous if you want to be safe take up poetry or something. ppl just take this safety crap to far. saftey isn't someone else's job it's your own. start taking responsibility for your actions.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[HighonBoost]

Please stay off the hills, it's pretty depressing hearing people being buried in some of your favourite riding area's. RIP

 

[freekinbeacon]

Fellas......avi's are running in areas that HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN ACTIVITY BEFORE. And these aren't just small sluffs, we're talking class 4 monsters that are uprooting 40 year old trees. If you intend on going ANYWHERE in the backcountry buy a goddam beacon. Christ, I'm seeing SNOWDRIFTS in the friggin ditches sliding. Right now, there is no such thing as areas that are safe.

Would you gamble your life on the purchase of a $200 piece of equipment?

And if you don't know how to use it, ask someone in the parking lot. It's in all our best interests that everyone is prepared...... I'll gladly take 10 minutes and show someone the basics, and if they're still uneasy about it they can ride with us, and I'll show them how to dig a pit and evaluate a snowpack. You never know; that person could very well be the one digging someone out someday.

 

[Snowjunky]

Problem is if the manufacturer's offered up Beacons as part of the deal then they would have to be some what responsible....=Getting Sued!

Good point there. Sounds like when Ski-Doo got sued when the babysitter wasnt payin attention and an 11 year old I think it was hit a dock. People are sue happy. i guess money fixes pain. heck I dont know

Quote:
Originally Posted by david R
first of all my condolences to the family. but that's bull. rules don't make you safer you idiots. safety is a personal responsibility. if you want to climb hills and stuff during avalanche conditions your an idiot but ppl should be allowed to be stupid. besides avalanche's happen. maybe you didn't know this but sledding is dangerous if you want to be safe take up poetry or something. ppl just take this safety crap to far. safety isn't someone else's job it's your own. start taking responsibility for your actions.

I am with you David. But awhile back on this forum we had another discussion about this and someone made a good point about that type of attitude. You and I are right. However if you want to sled at all in ten years you had better get proactive. What about all the bungee jumpers that cant play anymore. I dont want to loose my sledding rights. So I am open to a little education whats wrong with that!!!!!!! I can see you can write You learn that in school or did your wife help. .................. I just took some meds sorry. What I am trying to say is, we could educate sledders as well as congressman and woman, Governor's, local and state Representatives etc. Why, because they are the ones that are taking the phone calls. What if the 24 year old man didnt know any better and a simple law like drivers ed " the ones your kids took or will take before getting their license " would have saved his life. I would take it every year if my son or best friend would live. Get over your attitude David. You will ruin it for all of us talking like that. Get some education stay alive. Keep people around you alive.

P.S DAVID...I HOPE IF YOU EVER ACCIDENTALLY START YOUR HOUSE ON FIRE THE FIRE DEPT DOESNT THINK THAT YOU SHOULD SUFFER FOR YOU LACK OF FIRE SAFTY KNOWLEDGE.

 

[srosscojw]

I've ridden Owlshead before and know the spot where these guys were, it's really sad to hear about the loss of this guy and hits awfully close to home, my thought to his loved ones...

I was just thinking, that lots of people think that sledding is stupid to begin with and I've had a number of heated discussions with people about it. So I'm not sure if people have looked into it before or not, but what about having a beacon built right into a sled? I mean there are enough people who are willing to take the risk because they don't like wearing them, and if the cost of the beacon was included into the cost of the sled, I bet less people would complain about the price. It seems like a lot less when you tack it on to 15000 you're paying for your machine.

So Let me get this straight, You want a beacon built into a sled? So both the rider and the sled are burried. Searchers are now looking for a sled and a victim. that cuts the victims chances in half. Everyone who goes into the bakcountry snowmobiling needs to buy a beacon learn how to use it and wear it every single time they go.

 

[RMKcowboy]

So Let me get this straight, You want a beacon built into a sled? So both the rider and the sled are burried. Searchers are now looking for a sled and a victim. that cuts the victims chances in half. Everyone who goes into the bakcountry snowmobiling needs to buy a beacon learn how to use it and wear it every single time they go.

Plus, if someone buys a sled w/a built in beacon and figures "hey my sled has one, I'm good," sets off an avy, loses their sled and gets buried nobody can find them. When the person croaks the family sues the sled company because the sled was found but not the rider.
Buy a beacon, learn to use it, take it with you regardless of how safe you think your day is going to be. CHIT HAPPENS! Be prepared.

 

[Mcx Nytro]

Congratulations David R. One post and you have shown that you are a moron. Snowjunky is making a intelligent point, that I agree with. With the license comes education. They implemented a hunter safety program to ensure education on handling a weapon properly. State registration should come along with the education needed to get it. Overnight survival skills, sled operation, Av safety. etc

Ultimately, the ones that get caught and killed are only the primary casualties. The next ones in are the first on the scene, then the S&R personnel. With proper education, everybody may be at home another night.

Sorry to everybody involved about commenting out of context, I have been involved with avs in S&R for years in Colorado. Proper education may prevent some deaths.

x2 What a goof

 

[2bills]

i was up owls head today and at about 12:30 roughly, some guys came and told that a guy was burried in a avy. we headed over there probably 15 minutes after the slide and started searching. he didnt have a beacon.

he was stuck on the hill there was a big cornice above him that let loose.we spent about 3 hours probing the whole slide before we found him tangled up with his sled.

guys if you dont have a beacon, go buy one TOMORROW! the avy. risk is so high right now. i think he was about 24yrs old. i wont say any names because its still a little early.

please guys be careful, i sure hope i never have to go though a day like today again
RIP


edit: we did get him out at around 4pm and there were 2 helicopters there.

Hey ever one sorry to hear about another death R.I.P. I just wanted to add one thing everone should have a becon a prob a shovel all the goodies that one should have in there back pack, But the big one is is that it is rescue equipment the big thing about avalanches is learning or knowing how to aviod being in them thats were it starts so if your going riding don't just think about the stuff in your bag read or learn somthing new from a book from a intrent or from a freind green or 15 years of experince talk about it toghter learn toghter. Please all becarful out there thanks for your time.
RIP

 

[sixpointbull]

Problem is if the manufacters offered up Beacons as part of the deal then they would have to be some what responsible....=Getting Sued!

I'm sure you could find a lawyer to argue either side of this argument.

I'm sure as he)) no fan of mandatory testing/training/licensing/whatever, but sometimes we don't have a lot of choice.
Back when a 70 hp 121" was the big dog, life in the mountains wasn't quite so sketchy. Now with some pushing 300 hp and 160+" things are happening a lot faster than a lot of us seem to be able to adapt to.
It's not a whole lot different than flying an aircraft in some senses.
Just my .02