Avalanche Flotation safety device prototypes

[jtwassoc]

We have been working on a fanny pack sized avalanche flotation device for several years. Fifty prototype devices are now being built to get out into the field for testing. The device is a rip-cord deployed 3 cubic foot inflatable lifting bag. Avalanche flotation has been successfully used for many years, but we are trying to come up with a more compact sized device. We have "floated" 190 pound crash test dummies to the surface of several class two slides (you can see pics of the testing on the Slide Zone forum, heading Avy Device tested Revelstoke). We are now looking to determine the user friendliness of the prototypes. If you are a heavy back country user in avalanche country and would be interested in helping us with the design of the device let us know. We would ask you to wear the device in the backcountry and give us your thoughts on usability, comfort, etc.

jwassoc@frontiernet.net

[Trackhead]

I weigh 195 pounds, tour 100 days/year. I'd be willing to lug it around this season.

Hopefully I won't have to use it.

[nhtele]

I weigh 165 lbs and ski in the backcountry/sidecountry 80-100 days/year.
I've been thinking about an ABS pack but haven't gotten one due to weight/expense.

I'd also be happy to provide product testing/input.

[MakersTeleMark]

I rely solely on my hoochie-mama.

[StroupSkier]

I check in @ 225, but only get around 10-15 backcountry days a year.

If you want a heavier test subject though, I'd be happy to carry it around.

[Trackhead]

I weigh 165 lbs and ski in the backcountry/sidecountry 80-100 days/year.
I've been thinking about an ABS pack but haven't gotten one due to weight/expense.

I'd also be happy to provide product testing/input.

You're not heavy enough, eat another burger.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I'm 250 pounds and would be happy to test it up here and share it with the Juneau Ski Patrol

[skibuminwyo]

Im at 175 and do avi control and ski patrol around here. more than happy to test and see how it goes, maybe get some other patrollers in on it? (its finally out of the closet...yes i patrol )

[smmokan]

heh... I don't think he cares how much you weigh... I think he meant if you use the back country a lot, thus "heavy back country user".

[LeeLau]

Message sent also via email

Hi,

I tour 60 - 80 days a year. I live in the Whistler area. I'd be more then happy to test the device.

As a sideline I review equipment for various ski and bike companies so am experienced at writing reviews and can put coherent thoughts together on paper.

[shmerham]

Message sent also via email

Hi,

I tour 60 - 80 days a year. I live in the Whistler area. I'd be more then happy to test the device.

As a sideline I review equipment for various ski and bike companies so am experienced at writing reviews and can put coherent thoughts together on paper.

How much do you weigh?

[PulverSchwein]

not very much It's almost like he floats uphill

[nhtele]

You're not heavy enough, eat another burger.

Given our discussion on jacket sizes last spring I think I represent the average male bc skier weight - you're at least 1 standard deviation above average, fatass.

[Wibby]

interesting idea.

[lexpowers]

I too am working on a smaller/ lighter/ CHEAPER alternative to the ABS packs. Should have a working proto by Christmas. Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks the euros are asking too damn much.

[tenex198]

I will have a lot of extra time on my hands this winter, and am wanting to get into the backcountry more than the past years. I would love to test one out this winter. Send me a pm with your info.

[summit]

Email sent. I'm really interested. I am definately in situations where I'd really really really like to have one of these. I get 100+ days a year and more than 2/3 of those are backcountry.

[Trackhead]

- you're at least 1 standard deviation above average, fatass.

So, will this pack make my ass look big? If so, I might have to reconsider.

[0BernhardFranz]

I check in @ 225, but only get around 10-15 backcountry days a year.

If you want a heavier test subject though, I'd be happy to carry it around.

Normal: 1 backcountry day every 3 years for the state of the art pro
with guide etc.

[Blurreds_left_nut]

You're not heavy enough, eat another burger.

he could turn it around and tell you to visit Jenny Craig there chubby

[jtwassoc]

Thanks to all the backcountry users who have sent us their info and expressed an interest in testing one of the 50 avalanche flotation device prototypes we are going to have ready late this season. To those of you we have contacted please be patient, we are machining prototype parts like crazy and will get you a device as soon as possible. There are still a few devices remaining. It is a small, fanny pack sized rip cord device that inflates a 3 cubic foot lifting bag. As we said before, the device has lifted 190 pound crash dummies to the surface of class 2 avalanches.

If there is anyone else who wants to wear a prototype this season and help us with design ideas, email us your info such as where you ski/board/snowshoe and how many days a season you are in avalanche country to:

john_w@nebulusflotation.com

Thanks again for all the great responses.

[jtwassoc]

Update for anyone waiting on a flotation device.

The venturi valves are the most time consuming manufacturing process and the valves are now being machined. The venturi valve is a critical part of the device and here's why. The heaviest part of the device is the steel pressure bottle that holds the compressed air/nitrogen. The bigger the bottle, the greater the weight. We need 3 cubic feet of gas to inflate the lifting bag that will float you to the surface of the moving avalanche. A pressure bottle holding 3 cubic feet of gas is more than you would want to carry, so a venturi valve is used to multiply the amount of gas produced when you pull the rip-cord. The venturi is attached to the outside skin of the lift bag, and a high pressure gas hose runs from the pressure bottle to the venturi. There are small valves open to the outside air on the top of the venturi, and when the rushing gas from the bottle runs through the venturi it draws in a huge amount of outside air.

[rippah]

We need 3 cubic feet of gas to inflate the lifting bag that will float you to the surface of the moving avalanche. A pressure bottle holding 3 cubic feet of gas is more than you would want to carry, so a venturi valve is used to multiply the amount of gas produced when you pull the rip-cord. The venturi is attached to the outside skin of the lift bag, and a high pressure gas hose runs from the pressure bottle to the venturi. There are small valves open to the outside air on the top of the venturi, and when the rushing gas from the bottle runs through the venturi it draws in a huge amount of outside air.

That's cool.

r.

[iskibc]

Sometimes after eating Mexican food I have venturi gas.

[jtwassoc]

iskibc,

we'll PAY you to wear one.....

jtw