View Full Version : Did I start the avalanche?
Forsaken_One
04-24-2006, 6:06 PM
Well, on April 17th I was skiing with a few buddies at Mammoth Mountain. Around 2 in the afternoon, the top of the mountain opened up.
MY friends and I were all excited, and cut lines to get to the top. While skiing about 100 feet down, I stopped and decided to "make my own avalanche" and take out my friends.
But, about 40 seconds after I did that, the entire run collapsed, causing a MASSIVE slide. Now, I know it doesn't take much to cause an avalanche... But, I am still a little confused about it.
Was it just me that caused it? Or, could it have been the other people on the run, and just bad timing?
By the way, the article/video can be found here (http://www.nbc4.tv/news/8776987/detail.html).
Even if it wasn't me that caused it, I think it was pretty rad. Because I can always joke around and say I caused a natural disaster! ;)
sololop
04-24-2006, 6:48 PM
Avalanches are loose powdery snow built up on a layer of older more dense snow, as I recall. An avalanche can be caused by the smallest thing, and it could have been natural, or you causing the first one. An avalanche is not a real good thing if the whole mountain goes, so I'd say not to do that again, just in case so you don't kill anybody.
Dark_Magneto
04-24-2006, 6:50 PM
You probably contributed toward it because the slightest thing can set one off.
If you ever get trapped in an avalanche and you're not dead from the initial slide, drool to tell which way is up and start digging like mad, holding nothing back. Because that snow will set and harden very quickly and if you're down there then, you're screwed.
Aquarian
04-25-2006, 6:14 AM
Wow, I wonder what would happen if you DID cause it...
But I don't think so.
Leosam096
04-25-2006, 7:19 AM
yes, i agree with copy ninja.
but what i'm thinking was...did anyone get hurt because of that?i noticed you saying you enjoyed it...heh.
cheers!
Forsaken_One
04-25-2006, 9:12 AM
Nobody was killed, and I think they were all minor injuries.
Which is why I found it funny. :D
All well and good, but stupid stuff like that can kill people.
Sure, it's ok if you are risking your own life, I suppose you are entitled to, but don't risk the lives of others too/instead.
Play nice kids...
You probably contributed toward it because the slightest thing can set one off.
If you ever get trapped in an avalanche and you're not dead from the initial slide, drool to tell which way is up and start digging like mad, holding nothing back. Because that snow will set and harden very quickly and if you're down there then, you're screwed.
Unless you are buried very near the surface you will never be able to dig yourself out. The avalanche course I got in the army taught us to try to ride the snow as best as you can, steer to the side if possible. If you notice you are getting buried, hold your hands in front of your mouth so you save yourself some air. Once you're buried, you are pretty much at the mercy of your rescuers. If you try to dig yourself out you will run out of air, and time.
Leosam096
04-27-2006, 7:26 AM
thats a pretty smart wisdom said, thats a reminder my heart should remember ;)
cheers!
Dark_Magneto
05-12-2006, 11:31 AM
Unless you are buried very near the surface you will never be able to dig yourself out. The avalanche course I got in the army taught us to try to ride the snow as best as you can, steer to the side if possible. If you notice you are getting buried, hold your hands in front of your mouth so you save yourself some air. Once you're buried, you are pretty much at the mercy of your rescuers. If you try to dig yourself out you will run out of air, and time.
It's really a predicament, isn't it?
It would suck to die under a measley 4 feet of snow you could have dug yourself out of because you decided to wait for rescue and they didn't make it in time.
So is it better to dig, or to wait? I guess it all depends on how injured you are and if you think you're close to the surface or not.
Daghdha
05-12-2006, 3:29 PM
Well sure naturally you would try to dig yourself out, since who knows when the rescuers arrive or when they find you, you have to do something!
True, but sometimes a natural response is the worst one.
Basically, don't start avalanches.
Then again, if you are dense enough to do so, maybe you would be helping the world by getting caught in one.
I know you were 'only having fun', but you not have said that to their parents after the doctor just told them their son/daughter is dead.
Think before you act.
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