Those Powder Days

[drumnjuny]

i've been watching tahoe... road trippin out there for spring break. 29" at northstar last night... for reals?!

[Greedo]

i've been watching tahoe... road trippin out there for spring break. 29" at northstar last night... for reals?!

If you're going to take a road trip, drive to Jackson Hole. More snow, better snow, much better terrain, much much much better people. The extra money spent on going to Tahoe would be better spent on going to Jackson.

[SoCalS4Avant]

Be safe out there. I have never seen so many slides on Vail pass as I did on my drive up yesterday. Almost every steep face, mostly over the rock ledges, had slid. The new layer of snow is very much so a slab layer sitting on top of months of baked crap. Tons of fractures and broken chunks.

This is going to be a horrible season for slides the way things are shaping up.

Some heavy slides at Breck. Top of Peak 7 - basically everything from left to right slid. Didn't look man made, as there no other tracks in the area. Lots of sluff here and there on Peaks 8 and 9 as well.

Scary out there, and I agree, a horrible season for slides.

[Elliott]

Came here to post what TJ already said. My buddy was killed yesterday doing back country near Aspen. It's some scary shit, stick to the groomers if you aren't prepared to ride in the rough.

[Greedo]

Came here to post what TJ already said. My buddy was killed yesterday doing back country near Aspen. It's some scary shit, stick to the groomers if you aren't prepared to ride in the rough.

That's horrible. Sorry to hear Elliott.

I think people who read this thread need to bookmark this link. http://avalanche.state.co.us/index.php

[Elliott]

That's horrible. Sorry to hear Elliott.

I think people who read this thread need to bookmark this link. http://avalanche.state.co.us/index.php

Thanks man, and that avalanche link is pretty helpful. And it was actually WP, they were in Aspen on Saturday. Here is the article.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...45/detail.html

[jericks]

Wow, sounds like he was even riding in-bounds. Thats tragic, I'm really sorry to hear.

I rode Abasin on Saturday and witnessed a huge slide in the Loveland Pass area... The guy who triggered it managed to cut to the side and get out of the way but he got damn lucky. It's sure tempting when you see those fresh steep pow runs but right now it's just not worth the risk. Be safe.

btw, "hola" everyone... I'm new to the forum. Came here because it looks theres a pretty active Colorado group.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

Thanks man, and that avalanche link is pretty helpful. And it was actually WP, they were in Aspen on Saturday. Here is the article.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...45/detail.html

I was in WP on Sunday and had heard about that. Sorry for your loss. I thought he had hit a tree, had no idea it was an avalanche. Scary as I was riding MJ all day.

[turboSpartan]

Wow, sounds like he was even riding in-bounds. Thats tragic, I'm really sorry to hear.

I rode Abasin on Saturday and witnessed a huge slide in the Loveland Pass area... The guy who triggered it managed to cut to the side and get out of the way but he got damn lucky. It's sure tempting when you see those fresh steep pow runs but right now it's just not worth the risk. Be safe.

btw, "hola" everyone... I'm new to the forum. Came here because it looks theres a pretty active Colorado group.

Where was the slide? Actually on the pass? How'd you see it from A-basin?

[Greedo]

It's sure tempting when you see those fresh steep pow runs but right now it's just not worth the risk.

And that's the problem - most people don't seem to know (or care) about the risk.

Driving up on Sunday it was very easy to notice how unstable the snow was; damn near everything we moving. There were tons of fractures and slabs clearly visible to even the untrained eye. You don't need to be certified in avalanche safety to have known that Sunday was a horrible day. Months of low snow, lots of sun, fluctuating temperatures lots and lots of wind and then throw a layer of heavy snow on top and it's pretty clear what the outcome will probably be.

Colorado has a lot of avalanches because of our (usually) consistent snow which is typically in the lower numbers, but on a more frequent basis. This means we tend to get varying types of snow. Mix in the sun exposure and wind and we have a recipe for more avalanches than most areas.

The reason coastal regions have lower risks is because of the huge dumps they get and their snow is pretty consistent and heavy. When you get 5' of snow in one dump, it only takes a few days until the weight of that compresses and packs a relatively stable layer, unlike our snow which has all sorts of different layers packed inside.

The bottom line is awareness and common sense are the best things in staying safe. Elliott's friend was a freak occurrence that probably shouldn't have happened - the run was open and the resort should have done a better job with avy control. The kid at Vail ducked a rope - there's a reason the run was closed. I know people are getting impatient and want fresh turns, but is it worth risking your life for some fresh turns?

[drumnjuny]

pretty nuts, i jump ropes on the reg but i also consider myself pretty handy on a snowboard... but its definitely all about assessing risk, and deciding how much you want to take on...

and welcome jericks! yeah we do have a pretty active denver/co group in the regionals

[jericks]

Where was the slide? Actually on the pass? How'd you see it from A-basin?

I'm not sure what's considered actually "on the pass" but it was in that general area (off of Highway 6, aka. Loveland Pass Rd). If you're in the main lot at Abasin (the Beach) facing the Pali Lift, the peak is directly to your right and is the closest one to you. It's pretty wide open terrain for awhile and then goes down into the trees. The entire face on that peak broke off. The guy cut skier-right to the ridge on that side to get out of the slide, and it's a good thing too because it didn't stop until it was down into the trees at the bottom.

and welcome jericks! yeah we do have a pretty active denver/co group in the regionals

Thanks!

[Greedo]

pretty nuts, i jump ropes on the reg but i also consider myself pretty handy on a snowboard...

Jamie Pierre was pretty handy on skis.

He died in an avalanche early this winter.

[drumnjuny]

haha but i bet it wasn't anything i would hit... i'm handy in my level of comfortability and i only push myself beyond that when the risk is eating shit in open space, and at worst breaking a bone or twisting something. I rarely ride without a helmet; the only days i do is when its early or late season, and its groomers all day, AND its hot because wearing a helmet is the shit.

people who don't wear helmets; i lol at them. not because its unsafe, but because everyone is willing to push themselves 10x more while wearing a helmet... and they clearly don't understand that, or they don't want to get better faster? idk

[Greedo]

Ummm....what do helmets have to do with avalanches?

Though I don't wear a helmet, they do serve their purpose and think people should consider the idea. I think people who wear them and don't buckle them are idiots. I was at Keystone one day and a guy fell in front of me on the front face - his helmet flew off because it was unbuckled. A helmet doesn't do you much good when it falls off.

Back to the subject that I was talking about - though I have ducked ropes, I also know to assess the situation and snow pack first. Your skill level doesn't matter when the snow lets loose.

Craig Kelly is still a legend in the snowboard community, knew his stuff, was training to be a guide and he and a 6 other people died in an avalanche. He could snowboard much better than probably anyone who posts in this thread and an avalanche killed him. Skill is irrelevant.

[Saskwatch]

My thoughts EXACTLY Greedo!!

[drumnjuny]

it was a total side-comment about the helmet

i'm just saying i don't think i put myself in avalanche danger

[geeky]

Im currently up in Aspen, working the Xgames. If anyone else is in aspen and wants to grab a beer or kick it at the venue when I have some free time, shoot me a pm.

[mdzaudi]

Ummm....what do helmets have to do with avalanches?

Though I don't wear a helmet, they do serve their purpose and think people should consider the idea. I think people who wear them and don't buckle them are idiots. I was at Keystone one day and a guy fell in front of me on the front face - his helmet flew off because it was unbuckled. A helmet doesn't do you much good when it falls off.

Back to the subject that I was talking about - though I have ducked ropes, I also know to assess the situation and snow pack first. Your skill level doesn't matter when the snow lets loose.

Craig Kelly is still a legend in the snowboard community, knew his stuff, was training to be a guide and he and a 6 other people died in an avalanche. He could snowboard much better than probably anyone who posts in this thread and an avalanche killed him. Skill is irrelevant.

I understand your logic here but skill isn't entirely irrelevant. I've seen great riders get out of slides that the average joe would've likely been killed in. However, skill level should NEVER be part of your consideration when deciding if a slope is safe to ride. I never cut ropes but I also snowmobile where there are no ropes and i'm never alone, always have a beacon, always have a probe, shovel, etc.

Just an FYI for all of you that may not know: Colorado has more avalanch fatalities than any other state so be careful. For some basic avalanche info check out: http://nsidc.org/snow/avalanche/

[mdzaudi]

Im currently up in Aspen, working the Xgames. If anyone else is in aspen and wants to grab a beer or kick it at the venue when I have some free time, shoot me a pm.

Not going this year thanks to them cutting a number of good events.. too bad

[Greedo]

I understand your logic here but skill isn't entirely irrelevant. I've seen great riders get out of slides that the average joe would've likely been killed in. However, skill level should NEVER be part of your consideration when deciding if a slope is safe to ride. I never cut ropes but I also snowmobile where there are no ropes and i'm never alone, always have a beacon, always have a probe, shovel, etc.

Just an FYI for all of you that may not know: Colorado has more avalanch fatalities than any other state so be careful. For some basic avalanche info check out: http://nsidc.org/snow/avalanche/

Skill is definitely relevant, but as you mentioned - you can't let that be part of the consideration when deciding to ride backcountry. Clearly it will open doors for bigger terrain (the skill), but awareness is the most important thing in staying safe and alive (which is what I think you're saying as well).

Bryan Iguchi is doing a backcountry awareness tour right now.

http://www.volcom.com/news/article.asp?articleID=5845

[Saskwatch]

I'd love to go to the x-games but I cant stand half the denver fucks who come up here. Now don't get all butt hurt if you are from Denver.. I just cant stand all the "bro-brah" douche canoe's...

end rant...

[Greedo]

I just cant stand all the "bro-brah" douche canoe's...

Ever been to Tahoe?

[mdzaudi]

I might be going to tahoe around st. pattys. buddy has a place 15mins from northstar

[Saskwatch]

Yes I have, but it has been a few years. I would much rather go to Bozeman, or Jackson....
I lived in Davis, Cali from 00-01, did new years 01 at South Lake Tahoe, what a blast...

[Greedo]

There are way more brobrahs in Tahoe than in Colorado, granted there are tons of them in Summit county.

Bozeman and Jackson are both rad places. Mt. Baker had a really mellow vibe when I was there. Bend is another awesome town.

[Saskwatch]

Breck was a blast Friday, hiked up above peak ten and dropped into the trees to the right of all the blacks.. Waist deep through the woods..
Keystone was decent on Saturday.. (finally) Made a few tree runs, then had to pack it up and go do laundry... Calling for some snow this week, the money day may be Thursday....

[Greedo]

Breck was a blast Friday, hiked up above peak ten and dropped into the trees to the right of all the blacks..

Sounds like the ballroom.

[Saskwatch]

if you look at the trail map, it was everything to the left of mustang.. total blast... minus the cat track out.. ;)...
Be safe out there!

[geeky]

Just a quick photo from the Women's Super Pipe.


IMG_2224 by Jinsan Lee, on Flickr

[Greedo]

A new goggle review

http://www.indiscriminates.com/2012/dye-t1-snow-goggle/

[Greedo]

Went out to Loveland Pass yesterday. A bit bummed that we didn't get to where I like to build a jump - it was my friend's roommate's first time snowboarding and he ended up dropping the board down into a gully. Anyhow, the snowpack is shit, like complete and total shit. Two feet down, at most, and you were hitting a layer of granulated snow. The snow above was pretty solid in most spots, but even that snow would have dual layers that would split and fall apart. In short, the snowpack is dangerous.

Yesterday was the first time I had ever seen the highway signs warn of the avalanche danger. We saw the 9News crew on the pass and the reporter mentioned that my buddy and I were the only two people he had seen all day with packs. At first I didn't think much of it, but then I realized that it shows how careless and uneducated the majority of people are. There's a very apparent avalanche danger right now and people are venturing out into the backcountry with no type of safety gear at all. Though we didn't have beacons or any of that, we did have shovels and other necessities in case things went bad. It's rather obvious that people don't view places like the pass as a risk - my guess is they see it as short with a heavy flow of traffic, but there are more than enough slides that happen up there. People were riding the headwall on the Loveland side and I'm extremely surprised that that did not slide - it's when things like don't slide that people create a false sense of security and push the boundaries. I think people don't realize that you don't need a big face and a lot of vertical to kick up a slide and get buried and killed. People can and do die in slides that are short and shallow.

The bottom line is that yesterday was a reality check as to why people die in avalanches - it's the lack of education, concern and awareness that get them killed.

Be safe and be smart.

[sirsmokealot303]

Loveland Pass FTW. Some days are better than others, but a free day of riding is a good day of riding to me :)

[Greedo]

This is what happens when you huck cliffs and the avalanche danger is high.



It's been a deadly past week.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...lanche20m.html

http://www.durangoherald.com/article...-of-Wolf-Creek

http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/...ance=top_story

You don't need to dig deep to find a weak layer in the snow. These pics show how terrible the snowpack is.

[drumnjuny]

that video is awesome!! lmao!

[sirsmokealot303]

This is what happens when you huck cliffs and the avalanche danger is high.



It's been a deadly past week.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...lanche20m.html

http://www.durangoherald.com/article...-of-Wolf-Creek

http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/...ance=top_story

You don't need to dig deep to find a weak layer in the snow. These pics show how terrible the snowpack is.

Makes me want to go even more ! :D I guess for some people, if your not skilled enough to do so then you better not go out there. For others, that looks like a day of fun

[Greedo]

Makes me want to go even more ! :D I guess for some people, if your not skilled enough to do so then you better not go out there. For others, that looks like a day of fun

I assume you're referring to the video and not the pictures. The pictures don't look fun at all. The pass does, but once that entire face breaks it doesn't look close to fun.

As we have already established in this thread, skill doesn't mean much when it comes to an avalanche. Jamie Pierre was a pro skier and he died in an avalanche. Craig Kelly was a legendary snowboard and he died in an avalanche. One of the people who died at Stevens Pass this weekend was a pro skier. Those people are paid to ski/snowboard and they have all lost their lives to avalanches.

Skill can't always save your life. And that's the wrong attitude and approach to have, hence why people continue to die.

[drumnjuny]

idk danger is a huge part of the thrill... you might like to ski responsibly but other people are definitely into extreme sports because they're.... wait for it... extreme!! risking your life is part of being on a non-patrolled mountain, that's why people have gear for going backcountry riding...

people die all the time, especially in extreme sports. i think its pretty damn bold of you to tell someone else their attitude is wrong. if no one ever did anything dangerous, extreme sports (especially snowboarding/skiing) definitely wouldn't progress and no one would be hitting A51? no one would go heli-skiing... i get that u wanna grampa it up and be condescending/patronizing, act like you're the bossest skiier... i'm just saying maybe you're perspective isn't the only one?


banging corners in your car isn't safe either... and if you wanna say its "more" safe then that's my point proven; there are things you do to risk your life, you're line of what's acceptable and what isn't is just different from other peoples'

[sirsmokealot303]

I assume you're referring to the video and not the pictures. The pictures don't look fun at all. The pass does, but once that entire face breaks it doesn't look close to fun.

As we have already established in this thread, skill doesn't mean much when it comes to an avalanche. Jamie Pierre was a pro skier and he died in an avalanche. Craig Kelly was a legendary snowboard and he died in an avalanche. One of the people who died at Stevens Pass this weekend was a pro skier. Those people are paid to ski/snowboard and they have all lost their lives to avalanches.

Skill can't always save your life. And that's the wrong attitude and approach to have, hence why people continue to die.

LOL I dont mean to strike a nerve guy, I'm sorry. And the pics are actually nice. (I just like snow pics). But avalance danger is always there if you are ski/riding back country. Stay within your comfort level for sure. And if a friend of mine decides to hike and drop the cornice and it slides and kills him, I'm not going to be mad at the mountain. I'd be mad at myself for not stopping him. But then again, I would probobly be right there dropping it with him... And honestly the world we live in now is crazy. Anytime I walk out my door I have a chance of dying. Either by getting hit by a car walking down the street, shot, stabbed, anything. I could even die just sitting here in my apartment typing this message if the building were to catch fire. Not scared to ski the pass. I'll stop here bro. If you happen to see the silver b5 at the pass we can smoke one, drink one, and or shred together :)
drumn couldn't have said it better ^^

[drumnjuny]

yeah my post came off a little intense my bad. i just am saying that there are a lot of people in the world, and we all have our own risk-taking strategies and approaches to risk.

sometimes when you take a gamble even one of small negative chance it ends poorly and you lose. in a situation where you are messing with forces of nature much more powerful and established than yourself, you're going to lose your health or even life. i think anyone riding backcountry knows that, and if they don't then hey one more example of evolutionary theory lol!

some people find it worth the risk, others don't. but i do maintain that most sports wouldn't excel very far without people pushing the limit of what is possible... which is dangerous no matter what! would you rather we never landed on the moon, or explored other continents?? all i'm saying is maybe you're not trying to walk across antarctica (and i sure as fuck am not) but some people are lol. and to say their approach to life is wrong because anything could go wrong and they would die, is pretty anti-progress in general