Ski patroller at Squaw has died during avalanche control activities today. Squaw Valley is closed.

[ljackstar]

http://squawalpine.com/explore/blog/incident-statement-january-24-2017

(Squaw Valley, Calif.) January 24, 2017 – UPDATE 2:00 PM – Joe Zuiches, a 42 year-old resident of Olympic Valley and a member of the Squaw Valley professional ski patrol since 2012, was killed in a fatal incident at 8:35 AM this morning, prior to regularly scheduled operations, during avalanche control activities at the top of Gold Coast Ridge at Squaw Valley. The cause is believed to be the detonation of an explosive charge. An investigation is ongoing in cooperation with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and North Tahoe Fire Department. Updates will be posted here as they become available.

The team at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends affected. Joe is survived by his wife and infant son.

The Joe Zuiches Memorial Fund has been established and is available here (https://www.gofundme.com/squaw-patrol-funeral-fund) through Go Fund Me.

 

[skistupid]

And also this...

Two cars were buried in a large avalanche on Highway 89 between Squaw Valley and Tahoe City.
http://tetongravity.com/story/news/...ighway-89-in-ca-men-post-buried-alive-selfies

 

[DayMan]

Damn, such a bummer. Major respect for these guys putting their lives on the line to keep everyone safe. Ski in peace.

 

[[J_Gasper]]

Was just gonna make a thread to post a link for the GoFundMe page. This is tragic.

I know money is tight for a lot of us, but this guy has a wife and a baby. If anyone has a few extra bucks this family sure could use it.

 

[SofaKingSick]

The Joe Zuiches Memorial Fund has been established and is available here (https://www.gofundme.com/squaw-patrol-funeral-fund) through Go Fund Me.

]Was just gonna make a thread to post a link for the GoFundMe page. This is tragic.

I know money is tight for a lot of us, but this guy has a wife and a baby. If anyone has a few extra bucks this family sure could use it.

happy to see that the goal is already almost met! very cool

 

[SendyMcSendyface]

Shit this is sad. May his pow always be deep.

 

[SammyDubz]

(( SIP

 

[.CJ.]

Fuuuuck... this dude had a baby boy.

SIP Joe

 

[californiagrown]

I'd be scared shitless doing control work after that with charges from the same batch.

 

[.lencon]

I'd be scared shitless doing control work after that with charges from the same batch.

Pretty sure they won't be using the same batch.

 

[californiagrown]

Pretty sure they won't be using the same batch.

Oh, they will. They'll quadruple check everything, but still. They ain't throwing away a few grand in charges.

Anyone familiar with explosive charges have any idea what could have happened? Seems like they would have noticed a quick fuse and just tossed it... But no one else was hurt so it doesn't sound immediate. Fucking scary.

 

[[J_Gasper]]

Oh, they will. They'll quadruple check everything, but still. They ain't throwing away a few grand in charges.

Anyone familiar with explosive charges have any idea what could have happened? Seems like they would have noticed a quick fuse and just tossed it... But no one else was hurt so it doesn't sound immediate. Fucking scary.

If it had to do with pre-mature detonation and not by human error, they will not be using the same batch I can guarantee that.

 

[.lencon]

Oh, they will. They'll quadruple check everything, but still. They ain't throwing away a few grand in charges.

Anyone familiar with explosive charges have any idea what could have happened? Seems like they would have noticed a quick fuse and just tossed it... But no one else was hurt so it doesn't sound immediate. Fucking scary.

]If it had to do with pre-mature detonation and not by human error, they will not be using the same batch I can guarantee that.

Yeah I can't remember where, but I heard or read somewhere that they won't be using that batch and that there's a recall and patrollers around the nation are checking charges.