8 Skiers dead after accidental Avalanche in California!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read a very interesting article about the Tunnel Creek avalanche in which a group of 16 expert skiiers went on an off piste run. Several of them actually had huge reservations at various stages (About timing, route, conditions, size of group...) but all separately expressed after the fact that they could not bring themselves to say anything because they didn't want to be perceived as cowardly, lacking in expertise. Some of these people were local and had known the mountain and skiied it their entire lives.

Highly recommend this article in NY Times, it's called Snow Fall: the avalanche at Tunnel Creek.

This is a great read. The lead man ignored the avalanche forecast.
Three men were killed in the avalanche. One woman survived but she had a new to the market inflatable thing. Another man
survived by being wedged between two trees. All 16 were expert skiers.

I think what I’m learning from all of this (as someone who never skis and has zero interest in it), is that these people understand the risks and consequences because they go out there equipped for potential avalanches. I believe they all know there is a chance they could die out there - it is the wilderness after all, and they are willing to take that chance. Personally, I don’t want to be taken out by an avalanche- seems like a horrific way to go, so I will never, ever, put myself in that position, however, some people think it’s worth the risk, I guess.

You know what else is a horrible way to die? A fiery car crash. But I bet you drive more than necessary and you’re willing to accept that risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read a very interesting article about the Tunnel Creek avalanche in which a group of 16 expert skiiers went on an off piste run. Several of them actually had huge reservations at various stages (About timing, route, conditions, size of group...) but all separately expressed after the fact that they could not bring themselves to say anything because they didn't want to be perceived as cowardly, lacking in expertise. Some of these people were local and had known the mountain and skiied it their entire lives.

Highly recommend this article in NY Times, it's called Snow Fall: the avalanche at Tunnel Creek.

This is a great read. The lead man ignored the avalanche forecast.
Three men were killed in the avalanche. One woman survived but she had a new to the market inflatable thing. Another man
survived by being wedged between two trees. All 16 were expert skiers.

I think what I’m learning from all of this (as someone who never skis and has zero interest in it), is that these people understand the risks and consequences because they go out there equipped for potential avalanches. I believe they all know there is a chance they could die out there - it is the wilderness after all, and they are willing to take that chance. Personally, I don’t want to be taken out by an avalanche- seems like a horrific way to go, so I will never, ever, put myself in that position, however, some people think it’s worth the risk, I guess.

You know what else is a horrible way to die? A fiery car crash. But I bet you drive more than necessary and you’re willing to accept that risk.

I sure hope the families don't sue since the skiers accepted the risk.

[Anonymous]

I was the lure of the powder.

It will be interesting to see the gopro videos. My guess is everyone was wearing gopros.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was the lure of the powder.

It will be interesting to see the gopro videos. My guess is everyone was wearing gopros.

It was practically a whiteout. You might see the wearer's arms and legs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolutely davastating! my thoughts and prayers are with the families right now.


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62dke15357o

Can you imagine heading out for a day of fun and then, THIS??

What is an "accidental" avalanche?

Versus a deliberately triggered avalanche.

But this was just an avalanche. It wasn't an "accidental avalanche." Shit just happens. There was no need whatsoever for the weird modifier.

That makes it accidental vs avalanches that are triggered using techniques such as explosives to make skiiing areas more safe.

+1. The fact that some posters don’t even know this occurs explains so much about some of the commentary.

When skiers trigger an avalanche, that's not just accidental.

Exactly. The women triggered the avalanche.

Definitely not the conditions ripe for avalanches.

"Accidentally" means, by definition, unexpectedly or unintentionally. Is English your first language?

Similar to tossing a match or cigarette onto a puddle of gasoline "accidentally" results in a fire.

No, that is intentional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read a very interesting article about the Tunnel Creek avalanche in which a group of 16 expert skiiers went on an off piste run. Several of them actually had huge reservations at various stages (About timing, route, conditions, size of group...) but all separately expressed after the fact that they could not bring themselves to say anything because they didn't want to be perceived as cowardly, lacking in expertise. Some of these people were local and had known the mountain and skiied it their entire lives.

Highly recommend this article in NY Times, it's called Snow Fall: the avalanche at Tunnel Creek.

This is a great read. The lead man ignored the avalanche forecast.
Three men were killed in the avalanche. One woman survived but she had a new to the market inflatable thing. Another man
survived by being wedged between two trees. All 16 were expert skiers.

I think what I’m learning from all of this (as someone who never skis and has zero interest in it), is that these people understand the risks and consequences because they go out there equipped for potential avalanches. I believe they all know there is a chance they could die out there - it is the wilderness after all, and they are willing to take that chance. Personally, I don’t want to be taken out by an avalanche- seems like a horrific way to go, so I will never, ever, put myself in that position, however, some people think it’s worth the risk, I guess.

You know what else is a horrible way to die? A fiery car crash. But I bet you drive more than necessary and you’re willing to accept that risk.

I sure hope the families don't sue since the skiers accepted the risk.

They will sue and win just as Kobe's wife did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolutely davastating! my thoughts and prayers are with the families right now.


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62dke15357o

Can you imagine heading out for a day of fun and then, THIS??

What is an "accidental" avalanche?

Versus a deliberately triggered avalanche.

But this was just an avalanche. It wasn't an "accidental avalanche." Shit just happens. There was no need whatsoever for the weird modifier.

That makes it accidental vs avalanches that are triggered using techniques such as explosives to make skiiing areas more safe.

+1. The fact that some posters don’t even know this occurs explains so much about some of the commentary.

When skiers trigger an avalanche, that's not just accidental.

Exactly. The women triggered the avalanche.

Definitely not the conditions ripe for avalanches.

"Accidentally" means, by definition, unexpectedly or unintentionally. Is English your first language?

This avalanche wasn't unexpected. What are you talking about? There were avalanche warnings and predictions. So, exactly the opposite of an accident.

If that avalanche wasn't unexpected, why did the expert guides lead their clients through there? It was either accidental or negligence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolutely davastating! my thoughts and prayers are with the families right now.


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62dke15357o

Can you imagine heading out for a day of fun and then, THIS??

What is an "accidental" avalanche?

Versus a deliberately triggered avalanche.

But this was just an avalanche. It wasn't an "accidental avalanche." Shit just happens. There was no need whatsoever for the weird modifier.

That makes it accidental vs avalanches that are triggered using techniques such as explosives to make skiiing areas more safe.

+1. The fact that some posters don’t even know this occurs explains so much about some of the commentary.

When skiers trigger an avalanche, that's not just accidental.

Exactly. The women triggered the avalanche.

Definitely not the conditions ripe for avalanches.

"Accidentally" means, by definition, unexpectedly or unintentionally. Is English your first language?

This avalanche wasn't unexpected. What are you talking about? There were avalanche warnings and predictions. So, exactly the opposite of an accident.

If that avalanche wasn't unexpected, why did the expert guides lead their clients through there? It was either accidental or negligence.

But they were highly intelligent, experienced back country skiers, right? They made the choice to go on a ski trip when extreme weather conditions and chance of svalanches had been predicted for a week. Or they weren't smart and experienced enough to look at weather reports? Which is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolutely davastating! my thoughts and prayers are with the families right now.


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62dke15357o

Can you imagine heading out for a day of fun and then, THIS??

What is an "accidental" avalanche?

Versus a deliberately triggered avalanche.

But this was just an avalanche. It wasn't an "accidental avalanche." Shit just happens. There was no need whatsoever for the weird modifier.

That makes it accidental vs avalanches that are triggered using techniques such as explosives to make skiiing areas more safe.

+1. The fact that some posters don’t even know this occurs explains so much about some of the commentary.

When skiers trigger an avalanche, that's not just accidental.

Exactly. The women triggered the avalanche.

Definitely not the conditions ripe for avalanches.

"Accidentally" means, by definition, unexpectedly or unintentionally. Is English your first language?

Similar to tossing a match or cigarette onto a puddle of gasoline "accidentally" results in a fire.

No, that is intentional.

As is intentionally skiing where avalanches have been predicted to occur.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read a very interesting article about the Tunnel Creek avalanche in which a group of 16 expert skiiers went on an off piste run. Several of them actually had huge reservations at various stages (About timing, route, conditions, size of group...) but all separately expressed after the fact that they could not bring themselves to say anything because they didn't want to be perceived as cowardly, lacking in expertise. Some of these people were local and had known the mountain and skiied it their entire lives.

Highly recommend this article in NY Times, it's called Snow Fall: the avalanche at Tunnel Creek.

This is a great read. The lead man ignored the avalanche forecast.
Three men were killed in the avalanche. One woman survived but she had a new to the market inflatable thing. Another man
survived by being wedged between two trees. All 16 were expert skiers.

I think what I’m learning from all of this (as someone who never skis and has zero interest in it), is that these people understand the risks and consequences because they go out there equipped for potential avalanches. I believe they all know there is a chance they could die out there - it is the wilderness after all, and they are willing to take that chance. Personally, I don’t want to be taken out by an avalanche- seems like a horrific way to go, so I will never, ever, put myself in that position, however, some people think it’s worth the risk, I guess.

You know what else is a horrible way to die? A fiery car crash. But I bet you drive more than necessary and you’re willing to accept that risk.

I sure hope the families don't sue since the skiers accepted the risk.

They will sue and win just as Kobe's wife did.

Yes, risk takers and their attorneys expect others to pay for rescue missions and lawsuits.

[Anonymous]

So what was the end game? They get to their cars which are snowed in. The roads were impassable- what was the plan - or was there one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolutely davastating! my thoughts and prayers are with the families right now.


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62dke15357o

Can you imagine heading out for a day of fun and then, THIS??

What is an "accidental" avalanche?

Versus a deliberately triggered avalanche.

But this was just an avalanche. It wasn't an "accidental avalanche." Shit just happens. There was no need whatsoever for the weird modifier.

That makes it accidental vs avalanches that are triggered using techniques such as explosives to make skiiing areas more safe.

+1. The fact that some posters don’t even know this occurs explains so much about some of the commentary.

When skiers trigger an avalanche, that's not just accidental.

Exactly. The women triggered the avalanche.

Definitely not the conditions ripe for avalanches.

"Accidentally" means, by definition, unexpectedly or unintentionally. Is English your first language?

Similar to tossing a match or cigarette onto a puddle of gasoline "accidentally" results in a fire.

No, that is intentional.

As is intentionally skiing where avalanches have been predicted to occur.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I read a very interesting article about the Tunnel Creek avalanche in which a group of 16 expert skiiers went on an off piste run. Several of them actually had huge reservations at various stages (About timing, route, conditions, size of group...) but all separately expressed after the fact that they could not bring themselves to say anything because they didn't want to be perceived as cowardly, lacking in expertise. Some of these people were local and had known the mountain and skiied it their entire lives.

Highly recommend this article in NY Times, it's called Snow Fall: the avalanche at Tunnel Creek.

This is a great read. The lead man ignored the avalanche forecast.
Three men were killed in the avalanche. One woman survived but she had a new to the market inflatable thing. Another man
survived by being wedged between two trees. All 16 were expert skiers.

I think what I’m learning from all of this (as someone who never skis and has zero interest in it), is that these people understand the risks and consequences because they go out there equipped for potential avalanches. I believe they all know there is a chance they could die out there - it is the wilderness after all, and they are willing to take that chance. Personally, I don’t want to be taken out by an avalanche- seems like a horrific way to go, so I will never, ever, put myself in that position, however, some people think it’s worth the risk, I guess.

You know what else is a horrible way to die? A fiery car crash. But I bet you drive more than necessary and you’re willing to accept that risk.

I sure hope the families don't sue since the skiers accepted the risk.

They will sue and win just as Kobe's wife did.

Yes, risk takers and their attorneys expect others to pay for rescue missions and lawsuits.

Kobe's pilot was negligent in his decision to fly in those conditions as was his company for not ensuring his competence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So what was the end game? They get to their cars which are snowed in. The roads were impassable- what was the plan - or was there one?

This will hopefully all come out in the investigation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is absolutely davastating! my thoughts and prayers are with the families right now.


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62dke15357o

Can you imagine heading out for a day of fun and then, THIS??

What is an "accidental" avalanche?

Versus a deliberately triggered avalanche.

But this was just an avalanche. It wasn't an "accidental avalanche." Shit just happens. There was no need whatsoever for the weird modifier.

That makes it accidental vs avalanches that are triggered using techniques such as explosives to make skiiing areas more safe.

+1. The fact that some posters don’t even know this occurs explains so much about some of the commentary.

When skiers trigger an avalanche, that's not just accidental.

Exactly. The women triggered the avalanche.

Definitely not the conditions ripe for avalanches.

"Accidentally" means, by definition, unexpectedly or unintentionally. Is English your first language?

This avalanche wasn't unexpected. What are you talking about? There were avalanche warnings and predictions. So, exactly the opposite of an accident.

If that avalanche wasn't unexpected, why did the expert guides lead their clients through there? It was either accidental or negligence.

But they were highly intelligent, experienced back country skiers, right? They made the choice to go on a ski trip when extreme weather conditions and chance of svalanches had been predicted for a week. Or they weren't smart and experienced enough to look at weather reports? Which is it?

Clearly the guides' decisionmaking was lacking.