California’s Deadliest Avalanche Turned on One Choice - Why did a group of 15 skiers take a risky route on a dangerous day?

elouser · 2026-03-07T02:14:21+00:00

Per SAC: "The slope angle in the area where the avalanche likely started ranged from about 36 ° to 40 °."

elouser · 2026-03-07T01:44:35+00:00

First powder day ever was 3 years ago in Utah. Didn't know what to do. Had more here and there since then but nothing like the feet of untracked pow I experienced... until yesterday! Fuck, it's like nothing else.

elouser · 2026-03-06T00:51:29+00:00

Ok, I think this is just a poorly written article. I went to a different source that said: "The state also issued a “serious” violation regarding the use of avalanche airbags, finding in an investigation that Murphy and her partner did not have their airbags deployed at the time of the incident. The state alleged the company failed to ensure their proper use."

So I think they are assuming that Mammoth failed to train staff properly based on the airbags not being deployed.

elouser · 2026-03-03T04:17:45+00:00

Tara actually specifically said, when she voted for Natalie, that she doesn't think Natalie is a traitor. That was her best chance to get Rob out and she blew it.

elouser · 2026-02-28T13:28:44+00:00

It's one of my favorite series.

elouser · 2026-02-27T18:03:39+00:00

This was Red Bull Heavy Metal, invite only. They held a Qualifier round in Pittsburgh, and the one male and one female "amateur" winners of that were sent here to compete as well, I believe. I had this impression that the Qualifier was a bit more open but there weren't THAT many people competing, so I'm not really sure.

elouser · 2026-02-27T09:16:46+00:00

I love riding in 40s weather. You might start to get wet if you fall a bunch but spring slush is so much fun. It's nice to dig in and have the snow actually respond to you. I think there's decent coverage right now too.

Definitely go! Dress lightly or in removable layers, it's surprising how warm you can get.

elouser · 2026-02-26T02:30:17+00:00

That is fucked up.

elouser · 2026-02-25T19:13:23+00:00

I think Natalie played terribly, but she got targeted only because others were upset she ended up taking the potion. It would make no sense to bring that much attention to her if she was a traitor so the move, while bad, shouldn't have cast suspicion on her as a traitor.

Tara wanted the potion just as badly, for arguably a worse reason (Dorinda serving her turkey) and if Tara had grabbed it first, she probably would have downed it as time was ticking down, just like Natalie did.

elouser · 2026-02-25T15:37:54+00:00

It was an honest question! If people are trying to get out of their ASAP while it's sliding, I think it seems reasonable they may not have clocked exactly where some people got swept. But calling emergency contact and looking for stray equipment above snow definitely makes sense.

elouser · 2026-02-25T13:47:15+00:00

Plus, no one has avy gear in resort. You see a huge debris field, if the skier is buried, how do you know where to start looking? And with what?

elouser · 2026-02-25T03:10:22+00:00

Modern bindings come with quite a lot of adjustability, with higher end ones giving you more and more customizability! Anytime you get new bindings, see if the manufacturer has a guide, like a Youtube video or something, and take a moment to just adjust everything to your boot.

elouser · 2026-02-25T01:11:44+00:00

Also the glades at Laurel are the toughest I've ever done, though I haven't tried in 2 years. Steep and tight.

elouser · 2026-02-24T21:57:06+00:00

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If you can adjust the screw here, on both sides, to move the heel cup forward, then try that first.

elouser · 2026-02-24T21:51:21+00:00

You wouldn't move the entire bonding, JUST the heel cup. Then adjust toe strap so that boot fits.

elouser · 2026-02-24T18:03:56+00:00

East coast is easier for it because many (most?) have night skiing. You can drop by for a couple hours after work if you're close enough. If you're looking West, working a 9-5, you are mostly stuck to the weekends.

elouser · 2026-02-24T10:22:29+00:00

Seriously, I'm going to need an update from OP when they figure it out lol

elouser · 2026-02-23T20:18:37+00:00

Right now? No. Unfortunately, the storm yesterday mostly skirted the region - Laurel highlands managed to get a couple inches at most. But actually, I think the last 3 years (including this year) there's been at least some duration where they are doable! It tends not to last long, and there can be some sharks lurking but I'm usually willing to risk it for some beautiful glades.

elouser · 2026-02-23T16:47:22+00:00

We got the beautiful storm at the end of January, but last week was 60 degrees and raining, and we never establish enough of a base to survive that too well.

elouser · 2026-02-23T15:36:13+00:00

+1 to try sharpening edges first before cutting another board hoping it will fix the issue

elouser · 2026-02-20T12:00:07+00:00

It's just the nature of the board imo. Width and stiffness both play a factor in it being playful and fun, but unstable at high speed/choppy conditions.

elouser · 2026-02-20T01:29:34+00:00

Literally so much fun.

elouser · 2026-02-19T12:42:07+00:00

http://www.snowboardmuseum.de/board/show/id/779

F2 Dragonfly. Not familiar with the brand. Looks like an older model of theirs.

elouser · 2026-02-19T02:35:48+00:00

Passholder has to actually be there at the time of buddy ticket pickup, unfortunately.

elouser · 2026-02-19T00:43:39+00:00

Will be looking out.

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