Phantom avy info? 04/06/11

@ Micah: I was not referring to the Phantom Slide as a secret stash.

@ Jim: I apologize somewhat for trolling you guys, yes I know safety is subjective and risk assessments are personal. Just turning things around a bit on those who may be critical post-hoc -- please suggest (non-flippantly, if possible) some alternatives that you genuinely think would have been better choices yesterday. I'm curious what you think, and no I'm not interested in book suggestions, and no I am not clueless about where or when to go skiing.

I am 100% sure Plinko was kidding.

Back on point:
I can see how Marcus might have other things on his mind right now, rather than giving us a detailed account. A big ride may change your perspective and focus, etc. even without friends getting hurt... On the other hand, I also share deep interest in the details, when he is ready.

My best wishes go to everyone involved and kudos to SAR
Ivo

Plinko's kidding was in reference to a thread about Alpental being closed April 5.

Glad everyone survived. Sorry to hear about the injuries, first the avy ride and then 2K feet in a sled with a broken femur (ouch!)

Good work by everyone, rescuers and party members alike. I can only imagine seeing 3 out of your party of 5 being swept away. We are not done with the scary snowpack this year, I think Joedabaker's comment sums it: "I just don't want to be called upon to search for another person this year"

Marcus, I am thankful that you and your party survived the incident and that everyone made it out safely. I wish everyone a complete and speedy recovery, both physically and mentally .......

Hats off to SAR for their efforts and their safe return.

Thanks for your willingness to share this incident with the group, I am confident we will all learn from your experience.

Gary

I'm sure I'll catch hell for saying this, but I can't help but question why we have to "learn something" from someone's unfortunate accident. The internet has turned us into a bunch of voyeurs. Marcus is under no obligation to make public what was most likely a very personal, traumatic experience. I really hope he posts nothing at all, and we're left to use our own judgement in deciding whether to go skiing or not.

I'm sure I'll catch hell for saying this, but I can't help but question why we have to "learn something" from someone's unfortunate accident. The internet has turned us into a bunch of voyeurs. Marcus is under no obligation to make public what was most likely a very personal, traumatic experience.  I really hope he posts nothing at all, and we're left to use our own judgement in deciding whether to go skiing or not.

Not from me. I couldn't agree with you more.
People want NWAC to be their go/no go when its so generalized as to be highly suspect as a go tool.
People blaming lack of safe secret stash TR's forcing them to ski risky terrain as a result. OMG!
People expecting people who have been in avalanches to blog about their experiences so others can pontificate and judge and critique and if you don't ,you're not being community minded " so others can learn from your mistakes"

Jumped up jerk legislators from Beastialityville promoting bills making poachers criminals when they should be protecting poor horses.

Make you own decisions.