Avalanche
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This account from January 15, 2024, was submitted to SnowBrains by Inti Fernandez.
Hello everyone, I’m Inti Fernandez, a professional skier in Salt Lake City, Utah. I hope your winter season has been filled with thrilling runs and abundant powder snow. My go-to ski area during the U.S. winters is Snowbird, a ski resort renowned for its exceptional snow quality and varied terrain, making it an ideal choice for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Snowbird’s steep terrains, in particular, are perfect for my freeriding pursuits.
We’ve seen many windy snowfalls this winter, leading to unstable snow cover and frequent wind slabs. In January, following a snowfall, I headed out to ski, buzzing with energy and anticipation for an incredible powder day. I started my day on the Gadzoom chair and noticed that the Get Serious Chute area was untouched. I promptly decided to take on this area.
I entered through door No. 2 to descend the chute, which looked perfect from above. After assessing my line and checking the snowpack (which seemed relatively safe), I knew my line had a mandatory drop at the start. The drop would generate a lot of speed within the chute, requiring me to ski straight until the chute’s end, where I could make a few turns to slow down.
However, as soon as I landed, the chute cut off and started to slide under my feet, triggering an avalanche. I had no choice but to stick to my original plan, now with a heightened sense of urgency. Falling was not an option as it would result in the avalanche engulfing me, potentially leading to asphyxiation or injury. I managed to evade the avalanche and reach a safe spot, where I reflected on the situation and the conditions that led to it, questioning whether it could have been prevented.
Upon reflection, I realized that the human factor played a crucial role in this situation. The skiers ultimately decide whether to descend a slope or embark on a journey. This is where we must exercise the most influence. My ability to maintain control was pivotal in this situation.
Werner Munter, a Swiss High Mountain Guide and contributor at the Davos Center for Snow and Avalanche Research in Switzerland has emphasized the importance of decision-making in snow-covered mountains. His 3 x 3 method evaluates three filters in each phase of a mountain outing: conditions (snow and weather), terrain (shapes and slopes), and, most importantly, the human factor.
In conclusion, thoughtful evaluation of all factors can help ensure safe and enjoyable snow adventures while minimizing risks. This underscores the importance of ongoing education about avalanches and rescue procedures to be well-prepared for such situations. I hope my experience and insights help you prevent and assess conditions in the mountains, especially after a storm.
Stay safe,
Inti Fernandez
