Accident in Brewer

[Yron]

I am a complete neophyte, but trying to educate myself before eventually taking trips into the mountains, so feel free to flame away.
In reading this thread, I see some posts that appear to express surprise or shock at the breadth of the avalanche. In my (admittedly) limited scope of education, was this outcome not to be expected some how? Given the terrain aspects, the weather and snow conditions, and the activity that lead up to the release, would the result not be almost a foregone conclusion?
Please do not misread me; I am heartbroken for all of the parties involved in this incident, and I am just trying to figure out what I am missing here?
Feel free to explain etiquette here if this thread is not the time nor place to discuss novice learning curves.
Condolences to all of the people affected by this event.

 

[sho]

I recommend that you take an avalanche course, to better educate yourself, especially if you plan on riding in the mountains.

 

[Yron]

I agree. I have been taking courses. Wouldn't consider venturing forth without education and experienced partners.
The pictures almost make it look like the slope is greater than 30 degrees. There was a known weak layer under the snow and the bulletins reflected that information.
With the sun exposure and the few terrain traps that admittedly are more obvious after the load release, it looked like a risky move to decide to head up the slope.
I wonder if the water body at the bottom of the slope was obvious or maybe obscured by snow cover?

 

[Pistonbroke]

Yep first rule on avys. Snow doesn't stick to rocks

Rapidly sun-baked snow on exposed rocks really doesn't like to stick.

I've been in Brewer - it is sketchy for sure. Access can be tricky, and it's kinda one big bowl to play in with pretty limited terrain otherwise if I remember right.

 

[Summitdoorule]

Condolences to the Family

 

[doorfx]

RIP fellow outdoorsmen.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.

 

[LUCKY 7]

just saw on the news the second body was found. So very sad. RIP

 

[snopro]

just saw on the news the second body was found. So very sad. RIP

Did they need divers? Glad they found him to provide closure to the family.

 

[ferniesnow]

I'd heard earlier today that they were bringing in divers.

 

[Rene G]

My condolences to all involved

 

[SHREK1]

Horrible news, rip

 

[catrutt]

Father and son gone from a family, so sad. My condolences.

 

[tex78]

I agree. I have been taking courses. Wouldn't consider venturing forth without education and experienced partners.
The pictures almost make it look like the slope is greater than 30 degrees. There was a known weak layer under the snow and the bulletins reflected that information.
With the sun exposure and the few terrain traps that admittedly are more obvious after the load release, it looked like a risky move to decide to head up the slope.
I wonder if the water body at the bottom of the slope was obvious or maybe obscured by snow cover?

Ya need avy training forsure


You don't even need to hit that hill to cause a slide, could be from sound, sun, just wrong place wrong time, could have been skurting the bottom of the lake and it let go

Unfortunately the only guys that know are the group


Rip to the two, may your days be filled with epic pow and blue bird sky's

Condolences to the family and riding group

 

[skegpro]

Gah, I hate this kind of news.

My condolences to everyone involved and the family at home.

RIP

 

[skegpro]

Rapidly sun-baked snow on exposed rocks really doesn't like to stick.

I've been in Brewer - it is sketchy for sure. Access can be tricky, and it's kinda one big bowl to play in with pretty limited terrain otherwise if I remember right.

Shallow snowpacks are a silent killer, they definitely do not handle any sort of temperature swing well.

 

[bhowes]

Pretty sure my brother in law knew him and we were riding at Corbin with them on the weekend before New Years
sad to hear condolences to his family and friends

Blair

 

[medler]

Condolences to all involved

 

[Ricki Bobby]

Always sad to here about these tragic incidents. Condolences to the family and friends.

 

[The Kickass One]

RIP fellow sledders. So very sad for a family to lose both a father and son.

 

[JZ1]

It was great meeting you guys. I had a blast riding with you two and was looking forward to many more rides
Rest easy Larry & Matt.