At least 3 dead, 15 injured after B.C. avalanche

[backcountryislife]

to people like powder11 that feel the need to make stupid generalizations, go fuck yourself with a handsaw.

I look at this event & absolutely cringe, the lack of thought that went into this is truly astounding, but when a couple skiers die we don't sit here & talk about how retarded ALL stupid hippie skiers are.

The comment by veedy (quote from SW) is just one example of how many people did have the brains to stay away from a dangerous spot, but unfortunately the guys in charge did not have this kind of foresight.

fyi, more people have died in one day on skis a number of times, but even as a sledder I'm not going to make those stupid generalizations about them.

I have little pity for people that can't think to protect others that they put in danger, or protect themselves, but I'm sure that as has been said above, many of the spectators see the organization of this thing & assume it's safe. This whole thing is such a shame.

[Benny Profane]

to people like powder11 that feel the need to make stupid generalizations, go fuck yourself with a handsaw.

I look at this event & absolutely cringe, the lack of thought that went into this is truly astounding, but when a couple skiers die we don't sit here & talk about how retarded ALL stupid hippie skiers are.

The comment by veedy (quote from SW) is just one example of how many people did have the brains to stay away from a dangerous spot, but unfortunately the guys in charge did not have this kind of foresight.

fyi, more people have died in one day on skis a number of times, but even as a sledder I'm not going to make those stupid generalizations about them.

I have little pity for people that can't think to protect others that they put in danger, or protect themselves, but I'm sure that as has been said above, many of the spectators see the organization of this thing & assume it's safe. This whole thing is such a shame.

Backcountry skiing requires skill and physical endurance. Sledding requires a credit line for a sled and a case of beer.

[mntlion]

I dont sled, but I would guess that moving a 500+? pound sled takes some skill, strength?

[rdennhs]

There are surely some very skilled sledders that were competing. The question is how educated were they when it comes to snow conditions and avalanche danger.
They're all at eachothers necks because they think the press is trying to interrogate them into getting more information. The press is a dirty, dirty little game...but what more info is available? Who died?
There is a time for mourning and collection, that time is now. I hope that they all find a time after to recollect and make risk management plan for the future.

[Fatfish]

Organized event! Good one. I feel bad for the people and family members that dont know any better and trust there husbands and so on. How many were not wearing becons? Well, i am guessing a few, but what good is a becon if you cant use it. hope they were all educated on this one, oh wait, they were not because this in an unorganized event! Alot of rescue volunteers are up there still sweeping with a probe line so we should know tonight some more numbers. Hope all is safe. Oh ya, love the guy talking on CTV about if another one comes when were digging, we can just run to the trees. Good luck buddy!

[moose pit]

I have a real hard time mustering up any sympathy for those that chose to put them selves into this cluster fuck.
There were ample warnings about the B/C risk, everyone there chose to be there just like everyone that looked at the situation and stayed away chose to stay away as well. CAA has been posting warnings and even the CBC (new/radio) has harped on the danger (although I believe that if the CBC is your source for avi reports you should stay at home anyway).

It is very unfortunate that this will send waves out through the whole B/C community; waves of political pressure to regulate, restrict, and otherwise hamper the ability of people that make (for the most part) good B/C decisions, as the ignorant public will jerk knee.

Personally I don't like the idea of a big ol pissup garbage fest in the mountains - especially when the garbage is left for the locals to deal with. I would like to see the "organizers" and the participants out their making sure the smashed sled carcasses, and all their associated bits make out when the debris field melts in the spring. I have no doubt that hiking out the shattered sleds, beer cans, and other shit would provide ample time for reflection.


And all the maggots that bring up liability law, regulation and the host of "some one should have stopped them" need to go back to the ski hill and stay safe on the bunny hill. People need to take responsibility for them selves.


I do hope I don't know anyone that took a beating at this expose of Darwinian theory.

[Benny Profane]

I dont sled, but I would guess that moving a 500+? pound sled takes some skill, strength?

Doesn't the engine do that?

[Ermine]

Backcountry skiing requires skill and physical endurance. Sledding requires a credit line for a sled and a case of beer.

I take it you've never ridden a hill climbing sled before, because if you had you'd know it's quite the workout. Might want to just read some more before you post.

Obviously timing was off for this informal hill climb event. I'm not a highmarker, but do end up riding up some hills before I skin up to ski.

Condolences to family and friends. Sounds like there could be a few more missing?

[moose pit]

I have little pity for people that can't think to protect others that they put in danger, or protect themselves, but I'm sure that as has been said above, many of the spectators see the organization of this thing & assume it's safe. This whole thing is such a shame.

This isn't a soccer game. If you are a spectator, you sledded in, if you sledded in you are a participant and if you are a participant you should know the risks.

[Benny Profane]

I take it you've never ridden a hill climbing sled before, because if you had you'd know it's quite the workout. Might want to just read some more before you post.

That explains all the fit and athletic snowmobilers I see every winter when they gather in my winter playgrounds. Yes, I'll bet there is a bunch of six packs under those jackets.

[Fatfish]

This isn't a soccer game. If you are a spectator, you sledded in, if you sledded in you are a participant and if you are a participant you should know the risks.

I agree!

[Ermine]

That explains all the fit and athletic snowmobilers I see every winter when they gather in my winter playgrounds. Yes, I'll bet there is a bunch of six packs under those jackets.

So you don't like the sledders in YOUR playground and you've never ridden deep snow sleds. Kinda belongs in a different thread don't ya think?

[XXX-er]

Backcountry skiing requires skill and physical endurance. Sledding requires a credit line for a sled and a case of beer.

actualy those things ARE hard to hold on to and require skill & physical endurance its just a differnt skill set than skiing ,junior bought an RMK last fall emphaticaly states that it was the hardest physical thing he had ever done which would include xc bike racing ,xc ski racing,DH bike racing ,WW kayaking ,skitouring,telemark ect and he tells me besides the beer drinkers there are the coke using sledders you also want to stay away from




but I read/hear comments from sledders that sledding is really dangerous and the possiblity of being buried is just part of the game

I don't know if they are average sledders or what ... but I don't read/hear those kinds of comments from average BC skiers

Everyone out there at this weekends gig knew the risks ,the Canadian aviy center is right there in Revelstoke so awareness of the risk was not the issue

In 10 yrs sled design has gone from pretty good to absolutely fucking awesume ... a heli guide told me the new sleds can get you anywhere in those mtns that you have the skill to ride

sledders getting killed in the BC in BC is very unfortunate, very predictable and it would seem a very acceptable risk to sledders ?

A lot of speculation out there in the media frenzy but we won't know whats really gone down till the SAR is complete ,when people have not shown up at home and been reported missing ,when trucks haven't moved and when the snow melts in the spring

[powder11]

I have little pity for people that can't think to protect others that they put in danger, or protect themselves, but I'm sure that as has been said above, many of the spectators see the organization of this thing & assume it's safe. This whole thing is such a shame.

You and I said pretty much the same thing, dumbass. It's not a "shame" when ignorance rules the day and people die because of it. It's fucking stupidity and it's hard for me to feel any empathy for people like that.

What is a shame is that people are not going to learn anything from this and it will continue to happen until the government steps in starts regulating use of public land. That pisses me off.

[gwat]

Perhaps everyone was aware of the risk but did not take it seriously, as can be the case with people new to the backcountry game, even with training.
XXXtreme avi risk or not, the first rule of travelling in avi terrain is to minimize the risk, if you stay out of avi terrain you will never be caught in an avi. Who had the idea to put 200 spectators in a runout zone????

[rdennhs]

You and I said pretty much the same thing, dumbass. It's not a "shame" when ignorance rules the day and people die because of it. It's fucking stupidity and it's hard for me to feel any empathy for people like that.

What is a shame is that people are not going to learn anything from this and it will continue to happen until the government steps in starts regulating use of public land. That pisses me off.

I'm much newer to the sport than you prolly are and after years and years of seeing this go down I can see how you're faith in the rise in avi awareness is minimal. I just hope there can be more research done, and more awareness brought to the sport. The research done on which participants are educated is small, the one peer reviewed article I read was pretty basic but a good base model. I have no solution in this situation but it would be strongly beneficial for new agencies to develop with the intention of creating wide awareness across the spectrum of snow sports.

I guess turning the land off will cut out the asshattery. But we fought to open our gates, these guys prolly put the same work in to ride their spots. That's just an assumption.

http://www.wemjournal.org/wmsonline/...e=04&page=0264

...little outdated.

[skinnyskier]

Condolences to the victims and their loved ones.

But, talk about a recipe for bad heuristics: 300 sledders in a contest. Once someone decided to participate, there was probably no turning back. The "group" decided it was safe.

[XXX-er]

What is a shame is that people are not going to learn anything from this and it will continue to happen until the government steps in starts regulating use of public land. That pisses me off.

IMO its more likely to be groups of stake holders (motorized user, non-motorized ,heli-ops ) all sitting around the table in the ILMB process cutting up the cake

maybe someone in govy deciding that motorized users have shown more than enough evidence they are unable to self regulate ?

the only motor I got is in my car ... so no sweat off my ass

[Ermine]

A lot of speculation out there in the media frenzy but we won't know whats really gone down till the SAR is complete ,when people have not shown up at home and been reported missing ,when trucks haven't moved and when the snow melts in the spring

Ahh, I trust the dogs will find any missing. Doubt S&R will go past a few days w/ the resources present & the media attention. Probably had to bomb the hangfire first, then head in. I'll check the Cdn news again tonight.

[Fatfish]

Make users get a drivers permit like a car. L then the N, lol. Have an avi course be part of it. Makes sense. You would not drive your car into a brick wall would you? You have been trained not too!

[XXX-er]

Perhaps everyone was aware of the risk but did not take it seriously, as can be the case with people new to the backcountry game, even with training.
XXXtreme avi risk or not, the first rule of travelling in avi terrain is to minimize the risk, if you stay out of avi terrain you will never be caught in an avi. Who had the idea to put 200 spectators in a runout zone????

Last year I sat drinkin wine with a heli-guide (not while skiing) toward the end of the bottle buddy tells me these new sleds are totally awesome and they can get anywhere in the mtns the rider has the skill to go

the heli-ops try and work/reason with the sledders in that area to stay out of their ops,they will be there for the sledders if they need emerg help but really the heli-ops have NO control other than they can bomb a drainage to control sled access "what's a bomb cost... like 50$?"

to fully use the capabilities of the modern snow mobile you gotta thro caution out the window ,you hear some of those guys talk and they really believe that tommorrow might be a good day to die

Its my understanding the Big Iron was in the past a real comp ,it no longer is ,in a interview the city and the snow mobile club stated they are in no way involved ,it wasn't really an "event" it is completely unsanctioned ,just a bunch of sledders getting together for bragging rights at the bar who park wherever they want to park or maybe where thay parked last year ...who knows ?

[XXX-er]

http://www.snowandmud.com/forum/f14/...deo-14428.html

this is a great vid of an aviy at clemina and its still up !

notice the sleds parked in the runout scurrying for safety

I seem to remember reading thru & finding comments by sledders with a death wish

[skibum93]

http://www.snowandmud.com/forum/f14/...deo-14428.html

this is a great vid of an aviy at clemina and its still up !

notice the sleds parked in the runout scurrying for safety

I seem to remember reading thru & finding comments by sledders with a death wish

That snowboarder in the video must be the luckiest person alive.
I thought for sure he was going into the avalanche three different times.

[backcountryislife]

Backcountry skiing requires skill and physical endurance. Sledding requires a credit line for a sled and a case of beer.

Funny, generally I agree with most of your comments on here. I may not post a ton as I don't live my life on my board or skis anymore, but I'm on here quite a bit.

Today though, your comments are wrong. Plain & simple... wrong.

If you don't know, don't open your mouth.

So when you look at motocross riders, do you say the same thing...?
Don't get me wrong, I grew up in WI & had the same opinion of sledders and right or wrong, I still kinda do of the trail riders back there. Out in the mountains, it's not even the same game. I went hiking (bootpack BC riding) last weekend & after a few runs was nowhere near as tired as I would be after an hour of riding the sleds, not even close.

Just like skiing, of course you can choose your level of commitment & work that you put into something. There's nothing inherently athletic about getting off a lift & sliding to the bottom of the hill, but I'm not ignorant enough to make the same assumption that you have & say that all skiers are fat & lazy.


Powder11, we may have the same opinion of people putting themselves into harms way without the brains to be educated, but the reality is you make a generalization that all sledders are uneducated rednecks. I ride with 3 level 2's, a level 3, and nobody that I ever ride with has less than a level one avy knowledge base. It's a risky game, MUCH more risky than being on the board (aside from being able to get away a little easier) and the people that I know understand & to all extents possible mitigate that risk as best they can.


I feel that there were likely quite a few people, however they got there, that were not used to being in the mountains, and did not have the knowledge to make an informed decision themselves. These people allowed the irresponsible "promoters" of this event to make that decision for them & it was a huge mistake.


last thing, if someone comes on here, like G.O.P. did this week (steep gullies thread that I assume was deleted) & starts cunting up a thread about SKIERS that had lost their lives, you guys FUCKING FREAK on them, just because these morons were on sleds instead of the morons that are on skis, doesn't give free reign to do the exact same thing you guys all seem to act so high & mighty about on every other thread.

[mntlion]

well sounds like everyone is accounted for (what a huge job that would be knocking on hotel, B&B, etc doors)


Updated: Sun Mar. 14 2010 15:08:52

ctvbc.ca

Mounties in Revelstoke, B.C., say they have received no missing persons reports in the aftermath of yesterday's fatal avalanche, and that officers have finished accounting for all registered hotel guests.

The avalanche struck Boulder Mountain at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday when about 200 snowmobilers and spectators were gathered for the Big Iron Shootout, an annual informal event.

Two males were killed in the slide and 30 people were injured. Most of the injured -- 19 -- have been released from hospital. One person remains in critical condition, and three other patients are in serious condition. Those four were transferred to larger hospitals because of the severity of their injuries.

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said a handful of officers spent Sunday morning knocking on 40 hotel room doors to confirm guest lists and determine how many people were still missing.

"We're confident in saying that we have accounted for all the persons on these varieties of lists that we did accumulate," Moskaluk said.

There could be additional people trapped that were not included on the guest lists, Moskaluk added, and search efforts will continue.

Witness Ervin McKeen said he saw the avalanche "break off at the top of the mountain."

"It just gathered steam as it broke," he told CTV News Channel Sunday afternoon.

He was between 200 and 300 metres from the avalanche, and saw the snow bury a few people at the top before the dust generated by the avalanche clouded his vision.

McKeen and his party went to help search for people buried in the snow. He said most of those on the mountain seemed prepared for the possibility of an avalanche and had the proper safety equipment.

"Every time you go snowmobiling, you're in danger of avalanches all the time. Sometimes a little higher than others, but it's a risk you take," he said.

Adam Burke, 20, decided not to attend the event because of snow conditions on the mountain.

"Today it was high risk and just the other day it was extreme," he said Saturday.

"I told everyone to shut the mountain down...Just how I've been riding and I've noticed a lot of slab avalanches and I've caused a lot of little stuff over the season and it's just progressively gotten worse.

"I told my mom to shut it down and don't have anything to do with this event because it's going to kick you in the ass."

RCMP initially deployed four provincial search and rescue teams. The search operation was called off after dark fell Saturday.

Helicopter crews flew over the mountain Sunday morning to determine safety levels for ground searchers before the rescue effort resumed.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre had warned of a high avalanche risk Saturday, after a storm dumped new snow on the North and South Columbia regions of B.C.'s interior on Thursday and Friday, forecaster Greg Johnson told News Channel Sunday.

The centre continues to warn of a "considerable" risk of avalanche in the South Columbia region until at least Tuesday.

With files from The Canadian Press