"Fall wrong, and it's game over, done. Lucky I got to this guy before it was too late. Avalanches are front of mind, but deep snow immersion can happen anywhere. Be safe, ski with people, look out for each other."
"In deep conditions like this, the snow can act almost like quicksand. Once upside down or buried, every movement can pack the snow tighter around the person, making self-rescue nearly impossible."
"While avalanche awareness often gets the spotlight after big storms, deep snow immersion can happen inbounds, in trees, and even on relatively mellow terrain. Ski patrols and safety organizations consistently emphasize the same precautions: ski with a partner, keep visual contact in deep powder, be especially cautious around tree wells, and check immediately if a partner falls."
A recent rescue video from Snoqualmie, Washington highlights the dangers of deep snow immersion (DSI) following a 48-inch powder dump. While massive storms create ideal skiing conditions, they also present significant hazards beyond avalanches. Deep snow can act like quicksand, trapping skiers who fall headfirst, particularly around tree wells or steep terrain. Once inverted or buried, movement typically compacts snow tighter, making self-rescue nearly impossible. Safety experts emphasize that DSI can occur inbounds, in trees, and on moderate terrain. Essential precautions include skiing with partners, maintaining visual contact in deep powder, exercising caution around tree wells, and immediately checking on partners who fall without quickly recovering.
Read at Unofficial Networks
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]