December 12, 2016

First US Avalanche Fatalities of the 16-17 Season

Sadly, there were avalanche accidents resulting in fatalities in the last few days. On 12/10 in a closed area at Mt. Rose, and yesterday near Cooke City, Montana. Both incidents involved backcountry skiers. The incident at Mt. Rose is interesting because it involves skiers who entered a closed part of the ski area that had not been skied or seen control work yet this season, sound familiar? The patrol response is interesting to read about as it involves additional control work to mitigate the scene hazard, and the involvement of dog teams from several agencies.

Mt. Rose Incident

http://avalanche.org/accidents.php

Lets all keep in mind that we're dealing with an early season snowpack (shallow, unusual terrain configurations) and that the snowpack structure in the backcountry in most of Washington has a buried PWL that is producing human triggered avalanches. Enjoy the great skiing, and as always make appropriate terrain choices.

-253 Dan

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