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Show Case 2, ISkZ Members of party: Three, names not reported, skiing experience unknown. Events leading up to accident J The three skiers were touring the Blank Trail, a little-used run* The accident: The three went onto the slope one closely behind the other, A slab plus dry snow avalanche broke off immediately and caught all three. No. 2, protected by trees, was not completely buried. He dug himself out and knew where the No. 3 skier went under; no observation of No. 1. Rescue operations: No. 2 immediately went for help. The accident occurred at U:00 p.m. approximately; first party arrived at 5^00 p.m. Directed by eyewitness body of No. 3 was found in 30 minutes or less, one foot under; artificial respiration unsuccessful. Immediate action was unsuccessful in finding No. 1; operations terminated due to darkness and extreme cold; follow-up party arrived 8:00 a.m., following morning; body located by systematic probing at 2:15 p.m. 12 feet under. Elapsed time: 22 hours approximately. Cause of death not reported; No. 3t probably suffocation; No. 1 probably killed by crushing. Weather and hazard data: Severe storm in progress, with sub-zero temperatures and 20 inches plus of new dry snow. Terrain data: The accident occurred on a 3 0 ^ 0 degree slope open with scattered trees, overhung by a cornice. Conclusions: 1. No. 2 skier should have spent a few minutes looking for No. 3 whose position he knew accurately. 2. Direct cause of this accident was complete ignorance of avalanche hazard. Demonstrates need for supervision' of alpine ski areas and particularly, the need for educational programs among skiers. Case 3, 19^5 Members of party: Af B, and C, high school boys, excellent skiers, some mountaineering experience* Events leading up to accident: The three boys were camping in an abandoned mining cabin located in a high continuous hazard area. Their presence there was unknown until they appeared at the lodge at noon to get supplies. They were warned two separate times not to attempt to return. They went anyway. The accident: The boys climbed to the contour of the cabin. The last traverse to the cabin took them across a wide, shallow gully. A and B got over safely. A damp snow avalanche, starting from above, picked up C. -87- |