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December, 2024

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Ski patroller at Squaw has died during avalanche control activities today. Squaw Valley is closed.

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ljackstar
Posts: 114 - Karma: 233
http://squawalpine.com/explore/blog/incident-statement-january-24-2017

(Squaw Valley, Calif.) January 24, 2017 – UPDATE 2:00 PM – Joe Zuiches, a 42 year-old resident of Olympic Valley and a member of the Squaw Valley professional ski patrol since 2012, was killed in a fatal incident at 8:35 AM this morning, prior to regularly scheduled operations, during avalanche control activities at the top of Gold Coast Ridge at Squaw Valley. The cause is believed to be the detonation of an explosive charge. An investigation is ongoing in cooperation with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and North Tahoe Fire Department. Updates will be posted here as they become available.

The team at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends affected. Joe is survived by his wife and infant son.

The Joe Zuiches Memorial Fund has been established and is available here (https://www.gofundme.com/squaw-patrol-funeral-fund) through Go Fund Me.
Jan 24 2017 5:37PM
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skistupid
Posts: 304 - Karma: 1,197
And also this...

Two cars were buried in a large avalanche on Highway 89 between Squaw Valley and Tahoe City.

http://tetongravity.com/story/news/avalanche-buries-car-on-highway-89-in-ca-men-post-buried-alive-selfies
Jan 24 2017 6:01PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 8,748
Damn, such a bummer. Major respect for these guys putting their lives on the line to keep everyone safe. Ski in peace.
Jan 24 2017 6:03PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Was just gonna make a thread to post a link for the GoFundMe page. This is tragic.

I know money is tight for a lot of us, but this guy has a wife and a baby. If anyone has a few extra bucks this family sure could use it.
Jan 24 2017 6:56PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9342 - Karma: 61,381
ljackstarThe Joe Zuiches Memorial Fund has been established and is available here (https://www.gofundme.com/squaw-patrol-funeral-fund) through Go Fund Me.


[J_Gasper]Was just gonna make a thread to post a link for the GoFundMe page. This is tragic.

I know money is tight for a lot of us, but this guy has a wife and a baby. If anyone has a few extra bucks this family sure could use it.


happy to see that the goal is already almost met! very cool
Jan 25 2017 10:39AM
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SendyMcSendyface
Posts: 2843 - Karma: 24,244
Shit this is sad. May his pow always be deep.
Jan 25 2017 1:09PM
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SammyDubz
Posts: 2168 - Karma: 7,222
:((( SIP
Jan 25 2017 1:56PM
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.CJ.
Posts: 1509 - Karma: 3,669
Fuuuuck... this dude had a baby boy.


SIP Joe
Jan 25 2017 2:24PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
I'd be scared shitless doing control work after that with charges from the same batch.
Jan 25 2017 3:05PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
californiagrownI'd be scared shitless doing control work after that with charges from the same batch.


Pretty sure they won't be using the same batch.
Jan 25 2017 6:36PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
.lenconPretty sure they won't be using the same batch.


Oh, they will. They'll quadruple check everything, but still. They ain't throwing away a few grand in charges.

Anyone familiar with explosive charges have any idea what could have happened? Seems like they would have noticed a quick fuse and just tossed it... But no one else was hurt so it doesn't sound immediate. Fucking scary.
Jan 25 2017 6:49PM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
californiagrownOh, they will. They'll quadruple check everything, but still. They ain't throwing away a few grand in charges.

Anyone familiar with explosive charges have any idea what could have happened? Seems like they would have noticed a quick fuse and just tossed it... But no one else was hurt so it doesn't sound immediate. Fucking scary.


If it had to do with pre-mature detonation and not by human error, they will not be using the same batch I can guarantee that.
Jan 25 2017 7:15PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,186
californiagrownOh, they will. They'll quadruple check everything, but still. They ain't throwing away a few grand in charges.

Anyone familiar with explosive charges have any idea what could have happened? Seems like they would have noticed a quick fuse and just tossed it... But no one else was hurt so it doesn't sound immediate. Fucking scary.


[J_Gasper]If it had to do with pre-mature detonation and not by human error, they will not be using the same batch I can guarantee that.


Yeah I can't remember where, but I heard or read somewhere that they won't be using that batch and that there's a recall and patrollers around the nation are checking charges.
Jan 26 2017 2:21AM
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