Wow. This guy managed to dial 911 after being buried in an avalanche. Many factors at play here contributing to his survival, but I'm glad he made it out ok.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4147949/buri ... t_id=87249

This apparently happened on Granite Mountain, not far from where I live. I have ran, hiked, and even skiied this peak many times. It is well known for having significant avalanche hazards under certain conditions. I think the Beckey guide even mentions this. I am glad all worked out well for the guy.

sounds like Seth's story but with better outcome...

Here's a more detailed report. Incredible that he survived!

Increased avalanche conditions in a wicked south facing avalanche chute. That guy should buy a lotto ticket- he's that lucky.

I remember reading that avalanche fatalities are often as bad in May as in the deep winter months, in the Cascades. Good reminder to be cautious with these saturated slopes.

Seattle mountain rescue was able to get to this guy in time - Awesome.
Local fatalities have lately included cornice collapse and tree wells (suspected) so be attentive out there!

Do consider donations to Mountain rescue organisations in your stomping grounds... even small ones help.
we are all volunteers and pretty much unanimously opposed to charging for rescue.

for example:
http://everettmountainrescue.org/
or national website:
http://www.mra.org

Lucky guy. I have done the direct ridge route on granite in the winter and witnessed a few avalanches. Still, I have always stayed the hell away from any of the gullies. Not a good place to be in unstable conditions.

Avy danger in the Cascades has been really high in the past two weeks. I have not been above 5000 feet in elevation in a couple of weeks because of all the avy issues. I am glad to see that this guy made it back alive and is safe now, but I really hope people are truely looking at the avy danger before they out in the Cascades, especially alone on avy chutes! Here is the website below.

http://www.nwac.us/