Avalanche
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What started as a “dream” vacation ended with a firsthand account of an avalanche survival ordeal they’ll never forget. The event took place last Thursday, near Rossland, British Columbia. Comprised of confident backcountry skiers, the group was on a snowcat ski trip with Big Red Cats operation when the avalanche occurred.
During that fateful afternoon, a slab came loose and started the slide, taking everyone with it in it’s 75 foot wide wave of white.
“All of a sudden I heard a loud ‘whoompf. The whole thing ripped out.
Jason Bond, part of this group
They describe the eerie silence just after they stopped tumbling, wondering if anyone else had survived. Then a second slide occurred. Seven members of the group were buried. Those free from the snow immediately jumped into action, utilizing their avalanche training experience and went to work. Within 15 minutes everyone was accounted for; one in the group unconscious, but alive.
It’s chaos. In order to be efficient and effective, the training has to be muscle memory.”
Jason Bond
The friends have nothing but praise for their guides from Big Red Cats, crediting their expertise with the successful outcome. Thankfully, all survived.
Credit: KSL.com
