Kendall Peak Avalanche- April 9th, 2010

Otter, both these summaries are outstanding. They should be required reading for current and new members alike.

Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Heal well, Dan! 

We were skiing at Alpental in and out of bounds that day. We heard the helicopters, and rumors were flying around the mountain.  The only input I have is:
a.   I remember we made the decision to ski the lifts because there was so much new powder - like 2 or 3 big dumps that week.  It was tempting to go B/C, but we didn't want to wade through that deep snow. 
b.  The B/C gates below upper International were open early, then closed around 1 or 2 I think.

Ditto. Glad you're okay. When we heard the helicoptors fly in, my mind jumped immediately to the unfortunate situation that you experienced as reality. Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts and reflections on this incident.

Thanks again for sharing your intensely personal story and I'm glad you're still around to tell it! 

When I left Alpental that afternoon, it was just as the huey landed in the parking lot at West to make the transfer and it was such a sickening feeling, but some relief in the speed at which KCSAR were able to complete the rescue.  Things could have gone a lot differently.  You're truly inspiring for having gone through and overcome this.  +Vibes