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Avalanche: Harsh lessons
CascadeClimbers.com
December 21, 2003
Background: Dec 12-13, 2003, two avalanche
fatalities. Two deadly Washington avalanches: 3 snowshoers (not just one, but
the whole party) caught "near" Artist's Point, 1 snowshoer caught in Source Lake
Basin following tracks set by a group lead by Mountain Madness Inc..
Mountain, Madness had no business leading folks up avalanche central in
Saturday's conditions. It is hard, sometimes, to question our leaders and
experts. Their job, after all, is to lead, but is it yours to follow?
Question authority. Not to pick a fight, but to better understand the reasons
behind the decision. Help them revisit the decision and prove, not justify, the
action to your satisfaction.
Never delegate decisions to others with out understanding them.
I fear that this weekend's avalanche
fatalities could be the sign of a disturbing trend. The recreational industry
wants to sell as much gear as possible. It is more difficult to sell an activity
that appears dangerous or fool-hardy. I fear that the industries reaction to the
sad events of this weekend will be to sell more avalanche beacons, or as I call
them "corpse finders." It is a simple thing to buy an avalanche beacon, play
with it a little, and feel safe whereas what is really needed is the training to
be able to identify avalanche zones and route-find around them. Unfortunately,
this type of avalanche training is not something I see the industry selling in a
box at the local recreation store.
I call upon all of you to educate your fellow back-country users, be they
skiers, snowmachines, snowshoers, or others. Promote avalanche classes that
emphasize route-finding and safe travel. Help other parties make informed
decisions.
YOU can help save lives.
>>. . . I am thinking about my own decision-making process. . . << - markharf
cascadeclimbers.com
"brought to you by the letters h & c"
Read more . . .
Avalanche avoidance is a practical approach to avalanche safety
Avalanche avoidance by David Spring pdf
Three personal experiences with avalanches
Experienced member of The Mountaineers killed in avalanche
What can I observe about avalanche risk on specific slopes?
USA Avalanche risk descriptors pdf
Tumalo Mountain a wintertime treat
A map of know avalanche areas near Bend, Oregon
Basic Responsibilities of the cross country skier
