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Show avalanche control work. The hazards are great even when all rules are strictly followed. No. 64- 7 SQUAW VALLEY. CALIFORNIA 14 March 1964 WEATHER FACTORS In the immediate area of the slide, 20 to 30 inches of unconsolidated new and old snow existed. On the morning of 14 March, a rapid increase in temperature occurred, from a 6 degrees low to a 27 degrees high at 8: 00 a. m. Further temperatures are unrecorded. A sharp warmup was obvious, however, and the snow on sun- beaten slopes converted rapidly to slush. Snow on north exposures remained skiable, but was of a heavy consistency. ACCIDENT SUMMARY The avalanche occurred in a closed ski area at approximately 9: 45 or 10: 00 a. m., 14 March, 1964. The slide and the accident were unobserved. Exhaustive examination of ski tracks led to the conclusion that G. K. had been skiing on KT- 22 with a companion, C. H. They parted company above the slide scene. G. K. was last seen by his companion heading for untracked snow in the vicinity of the slide area. It was ascertained that G. K. skied past " closed area" signs to the top of a chute where he was caught by the slide. The slide apparently began when he entered the chute, fracturing approximately 30 feet above him. RESCUE Ski Patrolman D. M. received the report of a slide occurrence between 12: 30 and 1: 00 p. m. The observer had not seen the slide occur. A patrolman sent to the scene to investigate reported no sign of buried victims. Further investigation by patrolmen D. M. and W. S., however, revealed a ski pole and then skis, which were still attached to the victim. The body was buried face down only 12 to 18 inches below the surface. Artificial respiration was attempted on the victim, but was unsuccessful. The patrolmen then brought the body down to the doctor's office in the main ski area. Meanwhile, patrolmen probed with shovel handles in pileup zones in case other victims were buried. At 2: 30 p. m. it had not been determined whether or not the victim was skiing alone when the accident occurred. The Snow Safety Specialist in the area ordered equipment to be secured for a hasty search of the area. After ordering the main lift in the slide area closed to skiers, he proceeded with a party of four to the avalanche scene. An attempt was made to establish 104 |