just curious... but shovel? probe? beacon? experience?
Doesn't look like it in any of your pictures. Berthoud is sick, but even when it was controlled I always had avie gear with me. Stuff slides there all the time and the terrain which you skied, Hell's Half Acre, is pretty dangerous. For the sake of yourselves and the other backcountry users around there maybe you should be prepared and know what your doing. just a thought though.
my friends and i aint stupid. a beacon, shovel, and probe are not going to keep the snow from sliding. thats going to take your brain and some experience. ive done plenty of glacier travel and BC skiing as have my friends. we ski very carefully and dont even attempt to hike or ski if its remotely dangerous. but youre absolutely right and thanks for the concern.
oh and i do highly believe in avy gear but we werent about to do anything that would put us in jeopardy of getting into a avalanche. straight line and dont perferate the snow, then haul to the trees.
Just trying to make sure. Going to berthoud or loveland pass can sometimes be a terrifying experience. The majority of people up there don't carry any gear or have any knowledge of the avalanches. I've been asked multiple times 'why do you have a backpack? Are you camping or something?' or had people gawk at the fact that i carry avie gear at all. Stupid and dangerous people.
Even if you know how to avoid avalanches going into any situation where you are putting your self at risk without the proper rescue equitment is dumb. I don't mean this to be directed at you Smithy, but everyone in general. If you are gonna go BC be prepared, even with super stable conditions. There is just no reason to risk it.
Iggy you just gained about 200 respect points, very good advice, I just wish everybody had a good head on their shoulders in the backcountry. A lot less people would die.
I can't afford a beacon. Not that it'd matter all that much, given that I don't think anyone I'd be skiing with has one anyway. But good advice nonetheless.
