DON'T DIE OUT THERE !!

[RayMondo]

Even one dying of avalanche is enough, but the numbers are now getting tragic. I'm not a spoil sport, and I love the big stuff, but it's time to cut the risk. Conditions just ain't right. Stay away from the risk and live for another day.

[WouterB]

+1, we returned home from the alps on the 25th as conditions just weren't right. Meanwhile there's been quite a lot of accidents and deaths at the places we intended to visit.

[albanberg]

Good job WouterB!

[Deltaoperator17]

Here is a TR from an Idaho regarding Avy danger. They were right in the middle of it... Whump, Whump... erie!

http://margolasky.blogspot.com/2010/01/ ... ntain.html

[Hotfeet]

Great job bringing this up! I think your reminder is needed and appreciated. Good work!!!

[Pivvay]

And even if you very luckily walk away, it still sucks. I'm three months out from breaking my ankle and still healing. My partner is still healing as well. Avi'd on October 5th.

[Mark Straub]

I wish beacons weren't so expensive, it takes me 2 months worth of work just to pay for one. But I don't want to die.

-Mark

[MoapaPk]

And even if you very luckily walk away, it still sucks. I'm three months out from breaking my ankle and still healing. My partner is still healing as well. Avi'd on October 5th.

Good wishes for healing! I had just a grade 2 sprain, and that sucked. Made me think how vulnerable I was.

[lcarreau]

I think we're all "vulnerable" to the conditions that exist out there.

Just like we're vulnerable to getting ran over by a beer truck on our way back to the city.

[mconnell]

I wish beacons weren't so expensive, it takes me 2 months worth of work just to pay for one. But I don't want to die.

-Mark

A beacon won't keep you alive. You should definitely have one and travel with people that know how to use them, but staying out of a slide is a much better way to stay alive. (Since I usually travel solo, I don't bother with one, but I'm old and senile.)

[xDoogiex]

Icy roads mean more beer trucks sliding around

[drpw]

"The mountain will still be there tomorrow. Will you?"

[Andinistaloco]

I wish beacons weren't so expensive, it takes me 2 months worth of work just to pay for one. But I don't want to die.

-Mark

A beacon won't keep you alive. You should definitely have one and travel with people that know how to use them, but staying out of a slide is a much better way to stay alive. (Since I usually travel solo, I don't bother with one, but I'm old and senile.)

Agreed. Thinking a beacon is likely to save you is like saying that since you have a cell phone you won't die climbing.

[MarthaP]

And even if you very luckily walk away, it still sucks. I'm three months out from breaking my ankle and still healing. My partner is still healing as well. Avi'd on October 5th.

ACCCCCKKKK! Piv, I'm sorry to hear this! Heal quickly, heal thoroughly and get back out there. Bike racing season is coming up...

[Mark Straub]

No, a beacon is not going to save me. I know that. I am very cautious, bordering on paranoid, about avalanche signs. Avoidance is the best answer. If I see any signs at all of potential powder or slab avalanches, I take very careful notice.

BUT...isn't it a good idea to err on the side of caution? As I said, I DON'T want to die out there!

-Mark