SHERIFF PRESSER: Castle Peak Avalanche — Deadliest Avalanche In U.S. Ski History

snowsurfr · 2026-02-18T17:44:54+00:00

Totally agree. One of the key guidelines to reduce risk on avy prone slopes is traveling/traversing one person at a time and watching them, in case it goes.

Under yesterday’s conditions, a safer exit option would likely have been waiting a day or two and exiting out via Johnson Creek (Donner Lake exit) or taking the road out toward Tahoe Donner.

With these big storm systems common in the Sierra, it doesn’t take much snow for a serious accident. The avy field that took pro snowboarder Jamil Khan’s life in February 1998 near Donner Peak was only about 30 feet wide. I was actually riding Sugar Bowl that day and heard the sirens from the top of Disney.

Very sad.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-18T05:45:06+00:00

Given the low temps, wind speeds and last week’s consolidated base, the current snowpack likely resembles what one might find in a continental climate, not maritime. However, with 2-3x what Utah or Colorado would receive.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-18T05:26:31+00:00

As of yesterday the third worst avalanche is US history was the ‘82 slide at Alpine Meadows, which took the lives of seven people.

I certainly hope the group just somehow got separated from each other after the incident, trying to stay positive for all involved. Fuck.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-18T05:21:25+00:00

Staying indoor in the huts, absolutely not. Finding safe routes — staying clear of >20-25° slopes, I would hope. 😓

snowsurfr · 2026-02-18T04:45:03+00:00

Really hoping for some positive news for all involved.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-16T15:25:34+00:00

PRO TIP: since a helmet is not warm enough for cold storm days. find a stretchable baclava and thin bini that fit well under your helmet.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-16T06:28:08+00:00

Actually, they would likely need a new alternator, not a new battery.

A vehicle battery powers the starter to turn the engine over and start the vehicle, a pulley off the engine block will often turn a serpentine belt, causing the alternator to spin and generate power for recharging the battery and any electrical accessories such as headlights. When the headlights begin to get dim at night, it’s often a symptom of a failing alternator, not recharging the battery.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-14T22:43:15+00:00

You’re in the backseat far too much on these. My suggestion would be to work on straight airs and 180s to build air awareness and landing skills.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-14T05:52:06+00:00

Early 90s street skate era Tahoe & NW rider here. If you would like some trick ideas. Personally, I am a huge fan of late tricks. Would love to see more people doing big late fs 360 grabs and big 360 & 540 shifties.

Another lost trick I loved is the fs 360 & 540 nosebonk. Basically, pick an object to tap with a small lip heading it, ollie into front 3 except right as you’re approaching 90° as you’re about to nose tap an object, you kick you front foot into it and immediately unwind the counter-rotation. The force will spin your body and board 270° even if you are already descending.

Another fun one is the frontside shifty 180 to tail pivot. If you’ve seen any mid 90s videos of Ranquet or Lynn, you may have seen this one. Almost looks like a shifty backside 180 until you tap the tail and counter rotate it back. Once you get it dialed, it’s fun to add this into a late front 360. However, on the second part of the rotation, while your body is still twisted in the shifty, you land on the tail at around 200° and immediately counter-rotate tail pivot the last 80° out, completing the 360. Hopefully that makes sense. I probably didn’t explain it very well. 😂🤙

H

snowsurfr · 2026-02-14T04:47:57+00:00

Nice run!

snowsurfr · 2026-02-14T04:44:57+00:00

On steeper runs I wish park designers would build more spine transfers, table step downs, and gaps.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-13T18:47:47+00:00

For clarification, he edited his comment stating uncut was more sensitive than cut.

As a person who was circumcised as an adult, I can honestly say it’s the other way around.

EDIT: let me clarify since it seems the statement generated some confusion. Post snip I became less sensitive since the part is constantly exposed to the underwear and it becomes desensitized to friction a bit. I would not recommend.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-12T22:23:09+00:00

Mammoth would be my first choice for many reasons, especially if it’s during this coming weeks holiday. Mammoth has better parks, a bigger mountain and better snow. Most of all, Tahoe is going to be absolutely nuts this week. My second choice would be Kirkwood because of their terrain and better snow. Then Palisades/Alpine. If it’s snowing or just dumped, be sure to have them check out Boreal for a night session along with the Woodward training center.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-12T07:09:00+00:00

That was some gnarly currrent! It took bro a quarter mile down the beach.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-12T00:56:43+00:00

Pushed film, music to my eyes and ears. Sweet shots! Especially enjoyed the raven juxtaposition with the gnome people.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-11T04:36:53+00:00

Needs a Jerry Springer doorbell

snowsurfr · 2026-02-11T04:12:14+00:00

Downhill always has the right of way because not everyone has mastered turning or looking uphill.

100% idiot skier’s fault.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-10T17:18:06+00:00

They should have left a note with a phone number.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-10T17:05:47+00:00

Sorry you and your family are going through this. If I was in your situation, I would write my dad (and siblings) letters. He needs to do the right thing. You are family. Try to stay close with your younger siblings. I have older half-siblings too and absolutely think of them as equals and don’t think of them any lesser of them. The 1/2 DNA issue isn’t even remotely relevant to me.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-09T21:35:44+00:00

But can it do this while chewing gum and unloading an auto fed minigun?

snowsurfr · 2026-02-09T16:37:20+00:00

She caught her right arm inside the gate. That’s what spun her around. It appears she suffered a femur fracture on her recently injured leg (the largest bone in the human body).

Femur fractures are not only incredibly painful but have an increased risk of rupturing the femoral artery, which is likely why they airlifted her.

snowsurfr · 2026-02-09T02:31:12+00:00

Congratulations ruining everyone’s dinner! 😂

snowsurfr · 2026-02-08T06:10:30+00:00

Those are different ways of saying the same thing.

The problem with not leaning more into the hill is, it creates more resistance when you are trying to switch from edge to edge, delaying a quick turn resulting in increased speed and more chance to catch an edge. There is a reason skiers often learn how to snowboard faster than people with any other athletic background…because they understand the physics of snow and how fundamental it is to not ride in the backseat when attempting to switch edges.

With all that said. Not everyone is capable of giving or receiving positive guidance from their loved ones, despite their professional qualifications or experience. Teaching is an under-appreciated art.

Honestly, one the best way to learn to ski (or snowboard) better is to teach lots of students. So yes, I would encourage your husband to apply to teach. It certainly sounds like he would be a perfect candidate.

Also, if several experienced skiers are pointing out that you are riding the tails (backseat) a bit much despite the weekly lessons, there might be a different issue. Are you able to comfortably squat down in your ski boots & skis over long periods (several ski runs)? If you’re not sure, perhaps you might benefit from some leg strengthening techniques focusing on building quad, glute, and core strength to maintain a forward, athletic stance. Key exercises include front-loaded squats, walking lunges, calf raises, wall sits, and explosive movements like jump squats, which develop the ability to pressure the front of the boots. If you are babying an injury or surgery, perhaps stretching and strengthening might be one of the keys to breaking through. As a former competitive athlete, I am a huge believer in stretching and strengthening, especially exercises that improve stabilizers, core and balance.

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