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| Avalanche conditions! Avoid High-Marking! |
Again. It happens every year, so I was not surprised at all to hear that just recently, another snowmobile enthusiast was killed by an avalanche in Whistler, B.C.
At Incoming Bytes our hearts and thoughts go out to the families of this individual; may they find solace, peace and strength in their faith.
The question that will be ultimately asked is, "Why did this happen ?"
Unfortunately, everybody knows why, but society really not care to address reality or make positive changes to avoid the fact. It is stupidity. Lack of judgement. Lack of common sense. It is, in fact, a "no-brainer".
Which part of "Steep slopes covered with deep crystallized snow create dangerous avalanche conditions" do snowmobile enthusiasts not understand?
Which part of "entering, traversing or high marking in avalanche-prone areas is stupid !" do snowmobile enthusiasts not understand?
Why is the 'rush' of "high marking" a pristine, dangerous slope with a powerful snow machine more important than life itself?
Charging full-speed up a mountain slope covered with steep snow,-- and pulling a U-turn sharply might be a 'rush' or a 'thrill' and an extreme sport, but is a dangerous, foolish practice!
In avalanche-prone areas, disturbing deep snow at any time is ASKING to create an avalanche.
Later in the season when snow begins to crystallize and becomes as unstable as a blanket of ball-bearings if disturbed, an avalanche is almost guaranteed.
Sadly, some people apparently never learn --and even the most skilled machine operators may end up paying with their lives for a temporary lack of judgement , a 'friendly competition" or a ego-drooling dare.
Hopefully, the snowmobiling associations and sports community in Whistler, B.C. and elsewhere will now, -- once again, make an effort to instil some common sense, and discourage the practice of "high-marking" . Better yet, sled elsewhere. Use common sense and stay OUT of avalanche-prone areas, period.
Is that incoming I hear?
