Need a wake-up call? Sometimes I do. Holding back from skiing steep exposed runs in epic, bluebird powder conditions isn’t always easy and this video shows that no matter how much you train, avalanche rescue can take a really long time. Especially when you’re not using the proper equipment. Time to play it safe!
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It’s important to remember that shoveling is the largest time component (in aggregate) of an avalanche rescue, and that even a quick dig may not be enough. Wally was buried around 10 minutes and a full 40% of avy deaths are from causes other than asphyxiation. The skills I stress for myself and my partners are practice terrain selection to avoid slides and practice your rescue (visual/beacon search, probe and dig). Practice, practice, practice. Stay safe and be prepared in case your precautions fail.