vid: THE THIN LINE avalanche awarness (a must see)

Sol-flyer · Since 21 Mar 2006 1280 Posts Dude, where's my Bus? Otto Mann

Link

Riding backcountry is one of the most liberating feelings. It can turn from bliss to
death all to quickly. I can't stress enough to be aware of the potential dangers.

This film is amazing, I hope it effects all of you the same way it did for me.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

so true
this weekend I was going threw my shit
Tracker ,Probe ,shovel ,gps,skins ,skis,snow machine,,,,
being buried alive will always be in the forefront
of my thinking

those trees looked fun tho Shocked

Pepi · Sun Nov 15, 09 4:21 pm

FYI - We'll be hosting a public showing of this film later this winter at DOG RIVER COFFEE HOUSE.
Stay tuned.

Or, I guess you could also buy it from us or your local backcountry snow shop.

It is a damn fine movie and should be require viewing for anyone thinking of hiking or ducking a rope.

kitezombie · Since 22 Oct 2008 32 Posts NorCal

and please support your local avy centers!!! FMSAC will be showing this film December 3 Movie Night at the Black Butte Saloon, 259 Main Street in Weed...

http://www.fmsac.org/

lawnmower · Since 14 Dec 2007 153 Posts Stoked

So, how do you make the transition from lift riding to the back country without getting burried?

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

Mark · Mon Nov 16, 09 9:52 pm

Ps make sure you practice with your locater. Having ridden my sled thru a avalanche, things happen very quickly. The locater has to be second nature.

forrest · Tue Nov 17, 09 9:09 am

Hey Lawnmower,

The first step would be to read this book as it's one of the bibles for the back country. Talks about all the stuff you'd learn in a Avalanche awareness course. (Available from the Hood River library).

Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain
http://www.amazon.com/Staying-Alive-Avalanche-Terrain-Tremper/dp/1594850844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258477407&sr=8-1

Second step is to take an avalanche awareness course. These can be around $200 and be very beneficial. Usually two days, first day covers material you'll find in a book, second day is all rescue practice.

The third step is to find someone who's experienced, as Drock says, to go into the back country with.

You'll need a good setup of gear as well. Peeps DSP or Tracker, Metal Shovel, Probe, Pack along with a skinning setup (split board, or skiis).

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Nov 17, 09 12:03 pm

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

How about the avalanche balloon system (ABS)? Supposedly some people are using it in Europe. It's a ball you inflate when an avalanche starts and it surrounds you and keeps you near the surface of the avalanche. Sounds like a good idea, would like to see it in action. Better yet, why not make an inflatable raft that you can ride like Indiana Jones?

Sol-flyer · Tue Nov 17, 09 12:38 pm

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

the spot is also a good little tool. definitely a good thing to have if you get lost or in trouble out of bounds http://www.findmespot.com/en/

kitezombie · Since 22 Oct 2008 32 Posts NorCal

piperdude · Since 05 Sep 2009 28 Posts

The ABS system has a very high survival rate but last I checked were pretty spendy- $800-$900. (pretty cheap compared to your life but still....)

lawnmower · Since 14 Dec 2007 153 Posts Stoked

Thanks for the reference Forest. Guess I need to decide to decide which way to go $200 for avalanche course + Peeps + shovel + pole > $199 skibowl season night pass. Are there good back country ski opportunities within easy reach of Portland?

kitezombie · Since 22 Oct 2008 32 Posts NorCal

kuips · Since 19 Mar 2009 95 Posts white salmon