Wow.BillMiddlebrook wrote:Here's another look at the deadly avalanche on Ptarmigan's north slope
Bill, would you know if the slide path used to be covered in trees, or was this section of the mountain previously devoid?
One killed in Vail Pass Avalanche
Forum rules
Please be respectful when posting - family and friends of fallen climbers might be reading this forum.
Please be respectful when posting - family and friends of fallen climbers might be reading this forum.
Re: Vail Pass Avalanche Fatality
Bill, would you know if the slide path used to be covered in trees, or was this section of the mountain previously devoid?
Last edited by Fisching on Tue Apr 23, 2013 7:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Peter Aitchison on the risks of rock climbing and mountaineering: "That's life, isn't it? We think the challenge and satisfaction you get from doing this is worth the risks."
"Respect the mountain. Train hard. Hope you can sneak up when it isn't looking."
"The mind is always worried about consequences, but the heart knows no fear. The heart just does what it wants."
"Respect the mountain. Train hard. Hope you can sneak up when it isn't looking."
"The mind is always worried about consequences, but the heart knows no fear. The heart just does what it wants."
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BillMiddlebrook
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Re: One killed in Vail Pass Avalanche
This is an existing avy path and can even be seen on topo maps
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viejo
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Re: One killed in Vail Pass Avalanche
One observation of note:
In looking at the 15 Colorado accident reports this season, one major correlation stands out.
In 14 of the 15 reports, the CAIC avalanche forecast showed a "considerable" rating in the zone/aspect where the avalanche occurred, which is stated as "triggered releases are likely". The one exception had just been downgraded from considerable to moderate that day.
Please use that information as you feel appropriate.
In looking at the 15 Colorado accident reports this season, one major correlation stands out.
In 14 of the 15 reports, the CAIC avalanche forecast showed a "considerable" rating in the zone/aspect where the avalanche occurred, which is stated as "triggered releases are likely". The one exception had just been downgraded from considerable to moderate that day.
Please use that information as you feel appropriate.
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TeamDino5280
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Re: One killed in Vail Pass Avalanche
I think almost the entire season has been rated considerableN,E,S at least every time we were out it was. It's just a consequence of a continental snow pack. Sad stuff. I think the big thing to look at is slope angle similarities in the accidents and not necessarily the danger rating.
