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July 2009
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This has turned out to be a phenomenal season for skiers and snowboarders. But it's come at an unfortunate cost - three skiers/snowboarders have died, and an experienced ski patroller barely avoided succumbing to a hazard called NARSID. As an enthusiastic skier who enjoys skiing both in bounds and in the backcountry, it's a hazard I feel every skier, snowboarder or snowshoer needs to know about... So what is NARSID, and what killed the three people? It wasn't an avalanche, and not all of the victims were even skiing out of bounds or in the backcountry. NARSID stands for Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death. It happens when skiers or snowboarders fall (usually headfirst) into a deep snowbank or tree wells. Two of the deaths were at Mount Baker, the third was at Alpental. Tree wells, as I mentioned earlier, are a prime hazard. Those are the cup-shaped depressions in the snow surrounding trees - the result of tree limbs catching and deflecting some of the falling snow. A fall near a well can easily result in a plunge into the well; even if you end up going in feet first...it can be very hard to extricate yourself from one of these. And the nature of such a fall is that victims often end up going in head first. In the case of the ski patroller, they had only been immersed in the snow for two minutes before losing consciousness and turning blue. It was only because a partner found and pulled the victim from the tree well...and was able to resuscitate her...that she is alive today. Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol Director Paul Baugher says that a study of the accidents suggests some basic safety steps: Any skier or snowboarder who ventures off to the side of a groomed trail into softer snow or trees should ski or ride with a partner...and should keep that partner IN SIGHT! That means your partner needs to keep you in sight as well. You can't be helped if you're not seen. The other rule...if you ski near trees, stay well clear of tree wells. 5 Comments |
Jeff
What about the 55 day record for Centralia's rain? We watch you each night and you have never said anything about our record of straight days of rain. Last week there was a news story in both the Tacoma News Tribune and the Centralia Chronicle about the Centralia record.
We enjoy your weather reports.
Bill and Jan Leth
My youngest daughter teaches snowboarding at Crystal Mtn. She has never seen better snow up there and at the same time worries about the many people who choose to ski alone when they go out of bounds. Thanks for your advice Jeff and please remember folks to always be with a buddy when venturing beyond marked boundries.
You don't need to be out of bounds to fall in a tree well. Several deaths were in fact within the ski area boundary.
You must keep your partner in sight when ever you are off a groomed run.
MMMMMMM, I need me some Raiders. I mean up the butt. I MEAN NOW.
Jeff, I think it is very good of you to bring this to everyones attention. However, I don't feel that you gave any real world advice on what you can do if you do find yourself immersed in a snow pack. Any life saving tips for getting out? Aside from avoiding them altogether?