Sicamous avalanche

[MichaelShynk]

Dear Friends, Family and Rescuers of the Mt. Mara Incident:

Dear Friends, Family and Rescuers of the Mt. Mara Incident:

Our deepest condolences go out to friends and family of Matt. We wish for you to find peace in this tragic event.

Andrew and I (Michael) found ourselves in this search and rescue event, acting as a field coordinator and site coordinator. We felt we could fulfill these roles because of our level of avalanche education and training. The following comments are our thoughts and feelings on the avalanche and rescue. Hopefully it will put some of the “What ifs?” and “What could I/we have done better” question and feeling thoughts to rest.

You all did, in our opinion, a great job. These situations are stressful and emotional, and the people that were involved in the search showed great perseverance and heart. To quote the Morning Star, Shuswap Search and Rescue manger Don Reed; he said, “The Snowmobilers on the scene did a very good job during an emotional and trying situation…”

Andrew and I believe the probe lines worked well, to eliminate areas, and eventually find Matt. It was a very large search area and probing takes significant time. We also thought that the searchers worked well at communicating what to do next and what they have already done. In addition, each searcher was aware of group safety and health.

To relate this event to previous avalanche fatalities here are some statistics. Timing is essential; stats suggest a 20% survival rate when buried for 30 minutes. A 13% survival rate when buried for an hour. A 7% survival rate when buried for 2 hours. A 4% survival rate when buried for 3 hours. Also a person buried under 2 meters has a 4% chance of survival. (Avalanche Handbook by David MccLung & Peter Schaerer) We all did our best, but the odds were against us.

As rule we follow in the backcountry is “If stability is in question; terrain is the answer.” There is always a safe place to ride. Please do not let Sunday’s events destroy your love and enjoyment for the backcountry. But do let Matt’s death remind you of the consequences of the backcountry and how important it is respect the mountains. Lets begin the process of further education and training to make way for more enjoyable experiences.

You may have questioned our leadership but we feel we put forth our best effort on this tragic day. Andrew and I both have been thoroughly trained in avalanche skills, backcountry travel, and search and rescue scenarios. We are certified through the CSGA (Canadian Ski Guide Association), CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and Occupation First Aid.

Many thanks go out to the people involved and all the best in the future.

Sincerely,

Andrew Duncan
Michael Shynkayk

 

[sevenmacs]

I am gonna put in my .02 here guys and gals...avy awareness is everyones responsibility...every one should have a beacon,probe and shovel on their person in the mountains...first so that if something bad happens there is a chance your riding partners can save you right then as well as anyone within the area..second so that those who do come to help dont needlessly put their life at any more risk then they have to.(hrs or days to probe for you)..but more then anything I think our only hope is for those of us who do have avy experience to make sure everyone in our group has both the knowledge and the tools..I also think when you see someone in an unsafe avy situation it is your job to at least stop and inform them of the risk that they not only put themselves but all on the mountain into...if they choose not to listen..there is not much you can do..but if enough of us do it sooner or later peeps will listen and be safer.....

This is right on, Avy awareness is every riders responsibility,a beacon may or may not have saved this persons life, but without one he didn't have a chance. Pointing out the errors isn't wrong we all need to learn from these incidents. All riders should have beacons, probes & shovels, even if you don't ride the slopes, one extra person to help search can make a big difference.

At least take a Avy awareness class, in our area a 4 hour class costs $40.00, Friends & I just finished it a few days ago, now we're all buying ABS packs, already had everything else. we all spend a fortune buying sleds and accessories to go with them, $430 for coats, $500. for skis, these won't save your life but avy safety equipment will.

Its hard to read about these deaths but I force myself to , its makes us all aware and there is aways something to learn from every incident that may save a life on another day. Its hard to say but one death may make many aware and save lives, its a cruel statement but its true.

My prayers go out to family, friends and all rescue people involved

 

[Mcx Nytro]

If you cant figure that out on your own, natural selection will put his arm around you??

YOU ARE KIDDING ....RIGHT...TROUBLE IS NATURAL SELECTION MIGHT PICK HIS BUDDY AND THE BUDDY AFTER THAT AND THE ONE AFTER THAT.......MAYBE THEN HE WILL GET WITH THE PROGRAM AND LEARN HOW TO USE THAT BEACON YOU'RE WEARING TO FIND SOMEONE.LET ME GUESS YOU NEVER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL ON ANYTHING RIGHT????????? PICTURE THIS YOU ARE BURIED JUST UNDER THE SNOW AND YOU CAN HEAR YOUR BUDDIES LOOKING FOR YOU BUT THEY DON'T HAVE BEACONS,,,YOU CAN'T TALK BECAUSE OF THE IMMENSE PRESSURE FROM THE NOW CONCRETE AROUND,,THEY ARE WALKING WITHIN A FEW FEET....YOU CAN HEAR THEM.....BUT BECAUSE YOUR BEACON IN STILL AT FAR WEST YOU SLOWLY LISTEN TO THE SOUND OF THE SLEDDERS LEAVING,CURSING AT YOU BECAUSE THAT NEW HELMET WAS COOLER THAN THAT STUPID OL BEACON. dON'T WORRY AFTER 2 OR 3 DAYS THEY WILL FIND YOU BUT OF COURSE YOU'LL BE DEAD....FOR GOD'S SAKE WOULD YOU GO SKYDIVING WITHOUT A PARACHUTE??? SOUNDS HARSH BUT SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO WISE UP OR GET INTO FISHING...RANT OVER

 

[DARKO]

Terry, your YELLING !!

LOL

 

[sevenmacs]

YOU ARE KIDDING ....RIGHT...TROUBLE IS NATURAL SELECTION MIGHT PICK HIS BUDDY AND THE BUDDY AFTER THAT AND THE ONE AFTER THAT.......MAYBE THEN HE WILL GET WITH THE PROGRAM AND LEARN HOW TO USE THAT BEACON YOU'RE WEARING TO FIND SOMEONE.LET ME GUESS YOU NEVER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL ON ANYTHING RIGHT????????? PICTURE THIS YOU ARE BURIED JUST UNDER THE SNOW AND YOU CAN HEAR YOUR BUDDIES LOOKING FOR YOU BUT THEY DON'T HAVE BEACONS,,,YOU CAN'T TALK BECAUSE OF THE IMMENSE PRESSURE FROM THE NOW CONCRETE AROUND,,THEY ARE WALKING WITHIN A FEW FEET....YOU CAN HEAR THEM.....BUT BECAUSE YOUR BEACON IN STILL AT FAR WEST YOU SLOWLY LISTEN TO THE SOUND OF THE SLEDDERS LEAVING,CURSING AT YOU BECAUSE THAT NEW HELMET WAS COOLER THAN THAT STUPID OL BEACON. dON'T WORRY AFTER 2 OR 3 DAYS THEY WILL FIND YOU BUT OF COURSE YOU'LL BE DEAD....FOR GOD'S SAKE WOULD YOU GO SKYDIVING WITHOUT A PARACHUTE??? SOUNDS HARSH BUT SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO WISE UP OR GET INTO FISHING...RANT OVER

Nicely said !!!

 

[cobbycat]

Dear Friends, Family and Rescuers of the Mt. Mara Incident:

Our deepest condolences go out to friends and family of Matt. We wish for you to find peace in this tragic event.

Andrew and I (Michael) found ourselves in this search and rescue event, acting as a field coordinator and site coordinator. We felt we could fulfill these roles because of our level of avalanche education and training. The following comments are our thoughts and feelings on the avalanche and rescue. Hopefully it will put some of the “What ifs?” and “What could I/we have done better” question and feeling thoughts to rest.

You all did, in our opinion, a great job. These situations are stressful and emotional, and the people that were involved in the search showed great perseverance and heart. To quote the Morning Star, Shuswap Search and Rescue manger Don Reed; he said, “The Snowmobilers on the scene did a very good job during an emotional and trying situation…”

Andrew and I believe the probe lines worked well, to eliminate areas, and eventually find Matt. It was a very large search area and probing takes significant time. We also thought that the searchers worked well at communicating what to do next and what they have already done. In addition, each searcher was aware of group safety and health.

To relate this event to previous avalanche fatalities here are some statistics. Timing is essential; stats suggest a 20% survival rate when buried for 30 minutes. A 13% survival rate when buried for an hour. A 7% survival rate when buried for 2 hours. A 4% survival rate when buried for 3 hours. Also a person buried under 2 meters has a 4% chance of survival. (Avalanche Handbook by David MccLung & Peter Schaerer) We all did our best, but the odds were against us.

As rule we follow in the backcountry is “If stability is in question; terrain is the answer.” There is always a safe place to ride. Please do not let Sunday’s events destroy your love and enjoyment for the backcountry. But do let Matt’s death remind you of the consequences of the backcountry and how important it is respect the mountains. Lets begin the process of further education and training to make way for more enjoyable experiences.

You may have questioned our leadership but we feel we put forth our best effort on this tragic day. Andrew and I both have been thoroughly trained in avalanche skills, backcountry travel, and search and rescue scenarios. We are certified through the CSGA (Canadian Ski Guide Association), CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and Occupation First Aid.

Many thanks go out to the people involved and all the best in the future.

Sincerely,

Andrew Duncan
Michael Shynkayk

thanks for the info guys. I was involved in the search and I was very happy to see you there when you showed up. I had taken lead of the in the search in the begining and it was very difficult to keep everyone working together. I did what I had to do and I will appologize for some comments that I made to people to get them motivated, think I may have said some harsh things. I would like to say thanks to all involved in the search for their unquestioning help and for not giving up until our brother was pulled from his snowy grave. I just wanted to thank you guys for being there in rough seas and for all the guidance. would love to thank you in person. pm me

darren

 

[david R]

beels is sweet!!!

 

[m_beeson]

I am always the one who says; "We need to move out from under this hill", or "This hill doesn't look stable. We shouldn't be climbing it". I know that there is at least one in our group who gets real disgusted with my constantly keeping on top of the Avy danger.

I was informed last week that one of the guys that I ride with hasn't been on anything that could slide in 20 years.

I can count at least 6 hours of riding **** that has a higher than average potential to slide in one day, but since he feels that he hasn't been on anything that could slide, and I alwayse bring up issue that we are in an area that could slide; I must be an idiot. Right?