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1 dead 5 rescued Avalanche at Crystal Mtn WA

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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.q13fox.com/news/1-dead-5-rescued-from-crystal-mountain-avalanche.amp


Be safe guys!!! RIP

Too soon for this stuff. Actually just put @cydwhit s sticker about skiing smart and growing old on my splitboard.

Saw a big crew and a couple small crews touring up this morning. Heard the news about the slide earlier, sounded big, was hoping for better news.
Dec 11 2021 3:41PM
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five-cents
Posts: 8 - Karma: 47
Damn.

I've got a friend who asked me if I want to get into backcountry stuff. Sounds fun, but I'd have to spend more money on gear and the likelihood I get killed by an avalanche while in-bounds skiing is probably pretty low.
Dec 11 2021 3:55PM
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cyphers
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 18,287
RIP to whoever passed. on a more positive note it sounds like beacons may have saved 5 lives today.
Dec 11 2021 4:17PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323
😢
Dec 11 2021 4:24PM
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nick.boerner
Posts: 46 - Karma: 328
five-centsDamn.

I've got a friend who asked me if I want to get into backcountry stuff. Sounds fun, but I'd have to spend more money on gear and the likelihood I get killed by an avalanche while in-bounds skiing is probably pretty low.


Just make sure you’re educated and aware of dangerous conditions. If you read the article it says that there were 100mph winds at the summit beforehand which means wind slab avalanches are more and more likely to happen on the leeward side. I’d take an avy class if u wanna start backcountry.
Dec 11 2021 5:01PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
cyphersRIP to whoever passed. on a more positive note it sounds like beacons may have saved 5 lives today.


Yeah luckily most of the groups touring here seem to be pretty experience and most people have their gear. Seems like everybody but you don't know.

But generally people here seem to be more experience with touring.

I mean people have been touring a bit since October but this is still crazy early. We barely just opened. Def hate to see it. But yeah, when I first heard there might be 7 people caught this morning sounded like it could have been way worse.

It happens but still when it happens it surprises you somehow.
Dec 11 2021 5:12PM
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9361 - Karma: 68,389
That must have been a huge group if they had enough manpower left after the avy struck to save 5 people from full burials. Amazing work honestly. Rest in Peace to the deceased.
Dec 11 2021 5:27PM
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SmokedGouda
Posts: 1037 - Karma: 5,762
theabortionatorYeah luckily most of the groups touring here seem to be pretty experience and most people have their gear. Seems like everybody but you don't know.

But generally people here seem to be more experience with touring.

I mean people have been touring a bit since October but this is still crazy early. We barely just opened. Def hate to see it. But yeah, when I first heard there might be 7 people caught this morning sounded like it could have been way worse.

It happens but still when it happens it surprises you somehow.


I’d use experience with a grain of salt. Even the most experienced tourers can die and in a lot of cases, that’s exactly what happens. Knew a guy from another forum who worked for a backcountry cat service as the photographer, die in an avalanche. A lot of inexperienced ones die, but so do the experienced but at a lot smaller chances. I mean, it’s a lot of guess work anyways with snow conditions. Sad news fo sho.
Dec 11 2021 5:47PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323
BigPurpleSkiSuitThat must have been a huge group if they had enough manpower left after the avy struck to save 5 people from full burials. Amazing work honestly. Rest in Peace to the deceased.

Maybe some conscientious other groups were in the area. I have no additional knowledge beside the news reports but it Wouldn’t surprise me that it was somewhat populated today they have been getting hammered with snow lately.


But honestly I have made a similar mistake at Crystal touring inbounds preseason- there is something about touring an inbounds to a normally lift service blue run that, at least for me, made me feel like ah no big deal, I’ve lapped this run 100 times there’s a minimal base anyway how much trouble could we get in? And then just like that go and make a dangerous decision.
Dec 11 2021 5:49PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
CaseyMaybe some conscientious other groups were in the area. I have no additional knowledge beside the news reports but it Wouldn’t surprise me that it was somewhat populated today they have been getting hammered with snow lately.


But honestly I have made a similar mistake at Crystal touring inbounds preseason- there is something about touring an inbounds to a normally lift service blue run that, at least for me, made me feel like ah no big deal, I’ve lapped this run 100 times there’s a minimal base anyway how much trouble could we get in? And then just like that go and make a dangerous decision.


I believe ski patrol got out there. Not sure if any were already in the area or hauled out there after the slide was reported.

I'm back in at 11 tonight will probably here from some people about it. A lot of the employees here are pretty avid tourers.
Dec 11 2021 5:59PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
SmokedGoudaI’d use experience with a grain of salt. Even the most experienced tourers can die and in a lot of cases, that’s exactly what happens. Knew a guy from another forum who worked for a backcountry cat service as the photographer, die in an avalanche. A lot of inexperienced ones die, but so do the experienced but at a lot smaller chances. I mean, it’s a lot of guess work anyways with snow conditions. Sad news fo sho.


For sure but if you get buried without a beacon, or people that dont have shovel probe no how to use beacon.

That's all i was saying.
Dec 11 2021 6:01PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323
theabortionatorI believe ski patrol got out there. Not sure if any were already in the area or hauled out there after the slide was reported.

I'm back in at 11 tonight will probably here from some people about it. A lot of the employees here are pretty avid tourers.

Do you know where they were?
Dec 11 2021 6:02PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
CaseyDo you know where they were?

Silver basin
Dec 11 2021 6:08PM
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SmokedGouda
Posts: 1037 - Karma: 5,762
theabortionatorFor sure but if you get buried without a beacon, or people that dont have shovel probe no how to use beacon.

That's all i was saying.


True. That’s why I also still mentioned inexperienced people as well. Going into the backcountry without the proper gear on any steep aspect is suicide. It’s why I choose not to go into the backcountry ever until I get the right gear.
Dec 11 2021 6:08PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,823
theabortionatorActually just put @cydwhit s sticker about skiing smart and growing old on my splitboard.

post a pic of the sticker
Dec 11 2021 6:21PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
Skibumsmithpost a pic of the sticker


Dec 11 2021 6:25PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,823
that's dope. does he sell those?
Dec 11 2021 6:39PM
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cyphers
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 18,287
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/one-dead-five-rescued-after-avalanche-at-crystal-mountain/

seattle times article just got updated with some more info
Dec 11 2021 6:43PM
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207
Posts: 8969 - Karma: 3,846
five-centsDamn.

I've got a friend who asked me if I want to get into backcountry stuff. Sounds fun, but I'd have to spend more money on gear and the likelihood I get killed by an avalanche while in-bounds skiing is probably pretty low.


lol ya defs stay in the park, vishnu’s are only like 400 bucks!
Dec 11 2021 6:57PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37397 - Karma: 120,244
Its sad for the victim and their families but I would also like to point out like bigpurp said that its pretty amazing others were rescued and also not fatalities, so thanks to those rescue efforts. A real shit deal that could have been a shittier deal.
Dec 11 2021 7:43PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9790 - Karma: 72,422
Was this like a lift serviced backcountry access gate? Confused why the trail map gives it a rating rather than just backcountry or out of bounds like most places do

Edit: actually the maps shows inbounds but gate? I'm so confused. Was this a closed area but when open only accessible by gates?




**This post was edited on Dec 11th 2021 at 8:15:54pm
Dec 11 2021 8:12PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323
HypeBeastWas this like a lift serviced backcountry access gate? Confused why the trail map gives it a rating rather than just backcountry or out of bounds like most places do

Edit: actually the maps shows inbounds but gate? I'm so confused. Was this a closed area but when open only accessible by gates?




**This post was edited on Dec 11th 2021 at 8:15:54pm


You can generally work that entire ridgeline from the top of high Campbell chair when it’s open. I don’t know what the rules are specifically but how it seems is the permit area boundary is like the edge of where you are allowed to ski, which is kind of dictated by topography anyway. I haven’t skied there in a couple years maybe the BC policy has tightened up but it’s not considered OB.
Dec 11 2021 8:33PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9790 - Karma: 72,422
CaseyYou can generally work that entire ridgeline from the top of high Campbell chair when it’s open. I don’t know what the rules are specifically but how it seems is the permit area boundary is like the edge of where you are allowed to ski, which is kind of dictated by topography anyway. I haven’t skied there in a couple years maybe the BC policy has tightened up but it’s not considered OB.


OK but at this time it was considered closed and more so backcountry cuz it wasn't being managed right?
Dec 11 2021 9:01PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4805 - Karma: -651
Glad the other 5 were dug out.

I think with how many people own tour gear these days no matter the conditions plenty of people are going to deem it safe. And if you see others getting after it its hard to say no to yourself. So this shit is gonna happen.
Dec 11 2021 9:03PM
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cyphers
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 18,287
HypeBeastOK but at this time it was considered closed and more so backcountry cuz it wasn't being managed right?


yes closed. and definitely signed as sidecountry both uphill and downhill
Dec 11 2021 9:10PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
CaseyYou can generally work that entire ridgeline from the top of high Campbell chair when it’s open. I don’t know what the rules are specifically but how it seems is the permit area boundary is like the edge of where you are allowed to ski, which is kind of dictated by topography anyway. I haven’t skied there in a couple years maybe the BC policy has tightened up but it’s not considered OB.


The resort wasn’t fully open today and this area wasn’t accessible unless you skinned into it.
Dec 11 2021 9:55PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323
RudyGarmischThe resort wasn’t fully open today and this area wasn’t accessible unless you skinned into it.


I know but I didn’t know how were handling uphill travel so I didn’t try to speculate. There is kind of a difference between ‘closed’ (don’t go there) and ‘not open’ (no one here to stop you one way or another)
Dec 11 2021 10:18PM
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r00kie
Posts: 5238 - Karma: 59,578
CaseyMaybe some conscientious other groups were in the area. I have no additional knowledge beside the news reports but it Wouldn’t surprise me that it was somewhat populated today they have been getting hammered with snow lately.


But honestly I have made a similar mistake at Crystal touring inbounds preseason- there is something about touring an inbounds to a normally lift service blue run that, at least for me, made me feel like ah no big deal, I’ve lapped this run 100 times there’s a minimal base anyway how much trouble could we get in? And then just like that go and make a dangerous decision.


That brings up a really interesting risk management point. With experience comes comfort and sometimes with comfort comes laziness (for lack of a better term). Those 3 North Face athletes who died a few years ago I believe died during what for them was a pretty routine scenario but a slide still got them. Heck, in a non adventure context, the Alec Baldwinn incident is an example. In any outdoor facilitation job I've had this is a point that needs to be brought up mid season just to avoid getting to comfortable and knowingly or unknowingly cutting corners in our risk management procedures.
Dec 11 2021 11:41PM
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skierman
Posts: 8342 - Karma: 7,679
Expect a lot more of this. This is what happens when the general public gains access, big groups, lots of terrible decisions.
Dec 12 2021 8:53AM
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Graham0596
Posts: 164 - Karma: 1,263
HypeBeastWas this like a lift serviced backcountry access gate? Confused why the trail map gives it a rating rather than just backcountry or out of bounds like most places do

Edit: actually the maps shows inbounds but gate? I'm so confused. Was this a closed area but when open only accessible by gates?




**This post was edited on Dec 11th 2021 at 8:15:54pm


That chair on the top far right “chair 6” takes you to the top of Campbell basin, you have to ridge walk to access “the throne” and “the Silver king” which are, I believe, technically side country and a pretty accessible walk. Passed “south back” is more legit back country and outside of where ski patrol usually monitor. Don’t know why it has a rating, but if you’re walking from chair 6 it’s a hike out there.
Dec 12 2021 12:12PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,810
Its incredibly sad to hear this and also testament to the amazing work ski patrol does to keep us safe. No wonder they want to get paid fairly for the work they do considering people literally die if they dont do their job.
Dec 12 2021 12:32PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51664 - Karma: 162,491
Graham0596That chair on the top far right “chair 6” takes you to the top of Campbell basin, you have to ridge walk to access “the throne” and “the Silver king” which are, I believe, technically side country and a pretty accessible walk. Passed “south back” is more legit back country and outside of where ski patrol usually monitor. Don’t know why it has a rating, but if you’re walking from chair 6 it’s a hike out there.


Chair 6 is closed at the moment. Highest lift was Chinook until today were opening some upper mtn stuff.

Only posting that in case anyone reading thread was thinking people traversed yesterday.


Also patrol was bombing hard yesterday afternoon.

I hope the open touring vibe stays. Its great to be able to tour pre or post season or even midweek in the spring if we go to weekends. Hopefully the signs that say "resort closed no ski patrol" are adequate.

People are always frothing early season, especially when it's been such a rough start. It's a bummer. Could have been much worse but still.

Hopefully its not a bad season as far as avy deaths.
Dec 12 2021 12:38PM
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Graham0596
Posts: 164 - Karma: 1,263
theabortionatorChair 6 is closed at the moment. Highest lift was Chinook until today were opening some upper mtn stuff.

Only posting that in case anyone reading thread was thinking people traversed yesterday.


Also patrol was bombing hard yesterday afternoon.

I hope the open touring vibe stays. Its great to be able to tour pre or post season or even midweek in the spring if we go to weekends. Hopefully the signs that say "resort closed no ski patrol" are adequate.

People are always frothing early season, especially when it's been such a rough start. It's a bummer. Could have been much worse but still.

Hopefully its not a bad season as far as avy deaths.


For sure, I read your post from the parking lot yesterday. It was weird reading that the morning it happened before I went and got some laps in. RIP to the departed.
Dec 12 2021 1:49PM
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