Avalanche theory and reality

Winter 08 – 09 will be remembered in terms of its avalanches. In bounds slides have been documented in Utah, California, Colorado, Wyoming and Washington. Meanwhile the overall number of avalanche deaths in North America is on a record pace.

With this in mind we offer avalanche advisories on theory and reality.

1 – If you have wondered what it is like to get buried – come join us on January 21 at 11AM at Snow Basin Resort, UT. Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. will bury Outdoor Retailer Show Director Kenji Haroutunian. Kenji will use the Black Diamond AvaLung device which allows victims caught in avalanches to breath for up to an hour. The demonstration will be conducted to highlight safe backcountry travel protocol and Utah Avalanche Center Director Bruce Tremper will be on hand. To learn more about the burial contact Penn@backbonemedia.net

2 – If you prefer the cyber is reality approach – watch the dramatic footage of skier Chris Cardello getting caught and buried by a slide while skiing in Haines, AK last April. This is real footage and represents a best case scenario in terms of the search time yet nonetheless is a powerful case study in how quickly the joy of powder skiing can turn into a life and death situation.

See you out on the hill and be mindful out there.