On December 14, 2022, Thomas Elbrecht was backcountry skiing with his dog in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah when he heard 35-year-old Travis Haussener calling for help. A 200-foot wide, 2 foot-deep avalanche avalanche caught him, covering his everything but his head and one arm. Elbrecht heard the calls and found the man, helping to save his life.

Now Elbrecht, a Unified Fire Authority firefighter, is set to receive the Carnegie Medal, the highest honor for civilian heroism in North America. Each recipient will receive a financial grant, with nearly $45 million being given out since Andrew Carnegie established the Carnegie Hero Fund 119 years ago.

Upon hearing the calls, Elbrecht followed Haussener’s tracks to the bottom of the avalanche debris. He then hiked up to the man and managed to dig him out of the snow. Due to multiple major injuries, including a broken thighbone, Haussener was unable to return to safety, and Elbrecht couldn’t move him alone. Instead, Elbrecht called for the authorities and alerted them to his position, created a makeshift splint with a ski pole to stabilize Haussener’s leg, and built a small shelter to protect the injured man from the cold.

Over the next several hours, Elbrecht stayed with the injured Haussener. He kept the man dry and warm, swapping out wet clothes for dry spares. A responding rescue helicopter was unable to land because the slope was too steep and the trees were too dense, but a ground crew of two rescue personnel eventually found the duo. More than seven hours after initially being found, Haussener, with the help of Elbrecht, was moved to a toboggan, then to a snowmobile, and finally to an ambulance. Haussener spent several days in the hospital, but was okay in the long run.

It’s super awesome to see this kind of effort awarded. If anyone deserves recognition, it’s people like Thomas Elbrecht.

Related: Northern Escape Heli Skiing Awarded ‘World’s Best Heli Ski Operation’

Image Credit: Unified Fire Authority via Facebook

“Jeremy takes a deep dive into how he approaches the mountains and the avalanche safety practices he has learned over the years.”

Thanks to the high altitude snowboard samurai Jeremy Jones for stepping in front of the camera and dishing out some sage advice on refreshing and improving our avalanche awareness skills…aka getting avy savvy.  This is the first in a series of talks hosted by the Jones Snowboards founder where Jeremy will pick the brains of their ambassador guides and team riders on the subject of avalanche safety. The backcountry community is growing faster than ever and it critically important that we maintain a learner’s mindset and continue our ongoing education. For more backcountry safety resources from Jones Snowboards GO HERE.

Last Saturday, an avalanche injured an experienced backcountry skier who was going down Mt. Washington’s Airplane Gully.

Yesterday, two videos arose from the incident. The first was a third-person POV shared with the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center. The second was from Dominic Torro, who shared the harrowing video of being carried down around 500 feet by the avalanche.

Dominic’s full breakdown of the situation is below, with the second video including his POV of the avalanche.

Ultimately, the video descriptions and avalanche report from MWA prove a few things: For one, these guys are very experienced, with Dominic working for Redline Guiding. They tested for avalanche risks thoroughly before embarking on their descent. Secondly, these guys were prepared for emergencies like this and responded accordingly.

We’re glad to hear Dominic is doing better and has started his road to recovery. Click here to read the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center’s full incident report.

Image/Video Credits: Dominic Torro, MWA Center

^^^Skier triggered avalanche on the SE face of Mt. Blackmore. Crown is marked^^^

A skier on Mt. Blackmore in Montana triggered a soft slab avalanche with a width of 200 feet that traveled 300 feet downhill. Thankfully the skier was not caught in the slide. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center warns that the snowpack in the area remains unstable. Read the full report on the slide below:

“A skier triggered an avalanche on the SE face of Blackmore today (12/12/23). He was not caught. The snowpack is unstable throughout our forecast area, so be careful. This is the 6th day of avalanches and/or audible collapsing of the snowpack.” –Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center 

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Report:

Mt Blackmore

Northern Gallatin

12/12/2023

Code: SS-ASu-R2-D2-O

Elevation: 9800

Aspect: SE

Latitude: 45.44440

Longitude: -111.00400

Notes: A skier triggered avalanche on the SE face of Mt. Blackmore. Crown is marked.

Number of slides: 1

Number caught: 0

Number buried: 0

Avalanche Type: Soft slab avalanche

Trigger: Skier

Trigger Modifier: u-An unintentional release

R size: 2

D size: 2

Bed Surface: O – Old snow

Problem Type: Persistent Weak Layer

Vertical Fall: 300ft

Slab Width: 200.00ft

Weak Layer Grain type: Faceted Crystals

“Thanks to the skiers involved in this incident for their honesty, openness, and for letting us share their video for educational and awareness purposes.” –Mount Washington Avalanche Center

As we reported yesterday, a skier on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington was caught and carried by an avalanche resulting in a severely injure lower leg and required a rescue operation. The Mount Washington Avalanche Center just released a full incident report along with a video of the exact moment the avalanche was triggered. Watch the video and read the full report below:

Human-triggered avalanche; Airplane Gully, Great Gulf Wilderness

December 9, 2023

Summary:
At about 11:30am on Saturday, December 9th, a backcountry skier triggered an avalanche while descending Airplane Gully in the Great Gulf Wilderness. The skier was caught, carried, and not buried, but they sustained serious injuries during the fall. The skier’s partner and a bystander were able to effectively provide assistance and first aid until rescue services arrived. The current General Avalanche Information from the Mount Washington Avalanche Center (MWAC) for December 9th warned of “isolated areas of unstable snow at middle and upper elevations which could avalanche from the weight of a person.”

Backcountry Avalanche Forecast:
On December 9, MWAC had published a current General Advisory. The bottom line stated, “Watch out for isolated areas of unstable snow at middle and upper elevations which could avalanche from the weight of a person. Use proper route finding to avoid these areas and evaluate the snowpack carefully when in steep terrain where snow has collected. Falls in steep terrain can be consequential because of the hazards still present in the early season snowpack.”

Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Events:
*Avalanche Forecasters were not able to access and analyze the Airplane Gully avalanche after the incident. This assessment is generalized and based on first hand accounts, data shared from the reporting party, and photos.*

The general state of the snowpack on December 9th at middle and upper elevations was thin, disconnected, and developing – typical for this time of the year. A significant snowstorm on December 3rd and 4th brought almost 18 inches of new snow to the Mount Washington Summit. Over the following 5 days, much of this new snow was redistributed by dominant northwest winds onto lee terrain. During and immediately post storm, multiple small natural avalanches were observed. An increase in wind on the 7th formed reactive wind slabs in isolated areas. A notable human-triggered avalanche occurred in the Tuckerman Ravine area on December 8th, with other small, natural avalanche activity observed in Tuckerman Ravine and Gulf of Slides. These avalanches were size D1 – D2 hard slabs, with tapered crown lines ranging from about 6 inches to about 2 feet in depth, and limited in width. A similar snowpack setup existed in the steep east and northeast-facing terrain of the Great Gulf Wilderness, where the accident occurred. Photos confirm the variable nature of these wind slabs with an overall very shallow snowpack in the Great Gulf.

Events Prior:
On the morning of December 9, a team of two backcountry skiers (Skier 1 and Skier 2) made a plan to ascend alongside the Mount Washington COG Railway, and assess the conditions of Airplane Gully in the Great Gulf Wilderness as a potential ski option. Depending on the group’s assessment, they would decide to either ski Airplane Gully, or descend back down the COG Railway if they felt avalanche risk levels were too high.

When they arrived at the entrance of Airplane Gully, they began taking visual observations, making snowpack assessments and comparing the information they were collecting to the information they gathered from MWAC over the previous days. Together, they completed column tests and an extended column test at the top of the line which showed no clear signs of instability. They had brought a ski-mountaineering rope and talked about making a belayed ski cut, but decided against it after completing stability tests and making visual observations of the terrain below.

While the team was assessing conditions, a solo skier arrived to ski the same line. This person briefly asked if they were going to ski the line before dropping in seemingly without making snowpack assessments. Skiers 1 and 2 watched as the solo skier descended and didn’t see any signs of snowpack instability.

This additional information increased the team’s confidence in snowpack stability and they decided to ski Airplane Gully. The team managed the risk and exposure of the first section by skiing one-at-a-time, skiing in pitches by stopping in a protected area to wait and watch the other partner descend, and using radios as communication tools. Skiers 1 and 2 regrouped in a sheltered area near the intersection of the Spacewalk traverse, around 5200 feet. After regrouping and confirming good stability on the first section, they noticed the solo skier climbing back up the gully. They decided to wait for this person to reach them before continuing in order to limit the risk to the person below and also to obtain additional information about the snowpack lower down.

Accident Summary:
Skiers 1 and 2 talked with the solo skier and confirmed there were no signs of instability after the first ski descent. Skier 1 then began skiing the next section, making a few turns before triggering a ~15 foot wide hard slab avalanche, capturing and carrying that person down the slope. During the fall, other small avalanches were sympathetically released from disconnected pockets of snow, contributing to the overall amount of snow falling down the slope. Skier 1 was carried a total of about 500 vertical feet down the gully before coming to rest, unburied, at about 4700’ near the top of the Airplane Gully runout zone.

Rescue Summary:
While being carried in the avalanche, Skier 1’s binding did not release, causing an open fracture of the tibia and fibula. They immediately noticed the injury, communicated their condition to Skier 2 over the radio, and called 911. Skier 2 and the solo skier bystander were able to safety descend to Skier 1 and provided immediate assistance which included activating an InReach emergency satellite device, digging a platform, removing the injured skiers ski, stabilizing the injury, controlling the serious bleeding, and keeping the skier warm. The team’s medical training and supplies were crucial in this effort.

After over 4 hours, with coordination between NH Fish and Game, NH Army National Guard, Mount Washington Avalanche Center, and Mountain Rescue Service, a NH Army National Guard helicopter was able to safely extract the injured skier via short haul and transport Skier 1 to the hospital.

Avalanche Statistics:
Type: Hard Slab
Trigger: Skier, unintentional
Aspect: Northeast
Slope Angle: 40 degrees
Size: R2, D2
Elevation: 5200 feet
Sliding Surface: New / Old Interface
Vertical Fall: 700 feet
Width: ~15 feet

Discussion:
The team was well-prepared for this objective. They both were carrying avalanche rescue equipment, technical ski-mountaineering equipment, first-aid and medical supplies, and emergency communications tools. Additionally, both skiers have spent significant time in ski mountaineering terrain, have avalanche education, have emergency medical training, and had read and understood the current MWAC avalanche information and recent observations of avalanches in other areas.

This incident underscores a few important insights relating to travel in the Presidential Range avalanche terrain.

First, it highlights the high degree of spatial variability that our range is known for. Conditions assessed at the top of a terrain feature often yield different results than the conditions found just a few hundred feet down the slope. These subtleties have caught many experienced backcountry enthusiasts and professionals off-guard over the years and contributed to several accidents. In the early season with a very thin snowpack, this variability can be even more pronounced. Additionally, as we saw in this case, one person skiing a slope without incident, does not guarantee a stable snowpack.

Secondly, this incident highlights the severe implications of even a small avalanche in extreme terrain and early season conditions. Many avalanche run-out zones (especially in the early season) are littered with rocks, ice, and vegetation that can cause trauma upon impact. This often makes the fall equally or more dangerous than the actual avalanche itself.

Thirdly, we should all make a point to inspect and tune up our backcountry knowledge, ski gear, and safety equipment. In this case, a failed binding release caused a very negative outcome for the skier caught in this avalanche. If the binding had released, it’s entirely possible the skier would not have been injured and would have had the ability to evacuate on their own. Their level of medical training and carrying a well-stocked medical kit was instrumental in the outcome of this accident. Access to trauma supplies, basic splinting supplies, emergency shelters, and personal levels of training, greatly improved the prognosis for those involved in this accident.

Finally, it’s important to remember that we can seemingly be doing everything right and still have an avalanche accident. We gain experience, take courses, read the avalanche forecast, make slope-specific assessments, and practice good terrain management to reduce our risk in the mountains, but we can never fully eliminate that risk. We also let a variety of information influence our decision making. The injured skier mentioned that if the solo skier hadn’t come along and skied the slope without incident, they were ready to make a conservative decision to turn around and ski down the COG.

MWAC would like to thank the skiers involved in this incident for their openness and honesty about their accident with the hope of public awareness and education. We wish Skier 1 a speedy recovery.

RELATED: Skier Suffers Life-Threatening Leg Injury After Triggering Avalanche On Mt. Washington

Early snowfall throughout New England has led many to venture into the backcountry. This includes the Mt. Washington Valley, which is home to many risks that need to be factored in by backcountry skiers and riders.

On Saturday, December 9th, Dominic Torro and his friend were skiing down Airplane Gully, a popular backcountry line off Mt. Washington. At around 11:35 a.m., Dominic triggered an avalanche, dragging him down the slope and severely injuring his lower leg. His uninjured friend, who was joined by an unrelated bystander, called 911 for assistance.

On Tuesday, Dominic shared a video of the avalanche, which you can watch below.

After they called 911, their message was relayed to the US Forest Service snow rangers, who then contacted New Hampshire Fish & Game. From there, NH Fish & Game contacted the National Guard Helicopter, and the Mt. Washington Auto Road to use their SnoCat and carry Mountain Rescue Service personnel to assist with the rescue in case the helicopter couldn’t rescue Dominic.

While they waited, the skiers shoveled out an area that allowed a paramedic and litter to be lowered down from the helicopter to rescue him. The operation to rescue him took four hours. The SnoCat and Mountain Rescue Service personnel ultimately weren’t used in the rescue. The skier was transported to the hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

Today, New Hampshire Fish & Game released the following statement:

Ultimately, there are two important lessons from this story. For one, getting caught in an avalanche can happen to anyone, even those who plan and prepare for it. Secondly, while the MWA Center isn’t using its daily 5-scale avalanche hazard rating yet, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk of avalanches.

For more information about the avalanche, a video report from WMUR is below.

Image/Video Credits: MWA Center, Dominic Torro, NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief, WMUR

“A human-triggered cornice fall triggered several large sympathetic slab avalanches in Red Lady Bowl. I spoke with members of the group and there were no human involvements.”

Thanks to the good folks at Crested Butte Avalanche Center for posting this video of a human triggered cornice fall in Red Lady Bowl that went on to triggered several avalanches. Press play to watch the footage and get a recap of Crested Butte’s avalanche cycle this week.

ABOUT CBAC:

The Crested Butte Avalanche Center’s (CBAC) sole purpose is to prevent the loss of life, limb, and property to natural and triggered occurrence of avalanches in the backcountry surrounding Crested Butte.  The CBAC provides valuable and needed information and education to residents, visitors, and recreationalists in the Gunnison Valley, disseminating content through website, email, radio, social media, newspaper, and outreach events.  The CBAC issues daily avalanche advisories, including mountain weather forecasts, avalanche danger ratings, expected avalanche problems, travel advice, and forecast discussion, through the winter season, with fall and spring updates as conditions warrant. The CBAC provides additional resources, such as public and professional snowpack, weather, and avalanche observations, weather stations, and educational events and material.

“Many people ask which is the most dangerous part in Mount Annapurna-1, so here is the answer. Most of the incidents between Camp-2 and Camp-3 occur due to heavy avalanches. Yes, it is the most dangerous peak in the world.” –Baljeet Kaur

Frightening video from Mount Annapurna in north-central Nepal where a climber was caught on film getting hit by a breakaway avalanche. Mount Annapurna is the 10th tallest mountain in the world and is known as one of the most dangerous to climb due to its unstable snow conditions. Thankfully this climber survived.

About Mount Annapurna:

Mount Annapurna, located in the Himalayas of Nepal, stands as the 10th highest peak in the world, soaring to an elevation of 8,091 meters (26,545 feet). Renowned for its formidable and treacherous terrain, Annapurna is a challenging conquest for mountaineers, attracting adventurers from around the globe.

The name “Annapurna” is derived from the Sanskrit words “anna,” meaning food, and “purna,” meaning full, suggesting a goddess who grants an abundance of food. This moniker aligns with the reverence locals hold for the mountain, as it plays a crucial role in the region’s agricultural fertility.

Despite its majestic allure, Annapurna presents a perilous ascent, with a fatality rate among climbers that is notably high. The unpredictable weather, avalanches, and technical difficulties contribute to the mountain’s reputation as one of the most dangerous peaks to climb. Sir Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal achieved the first ascent in 1950, a historic feat that marked a milestone in mountaineering history.

The Annapurna Massif is home to several peaks, each offering unique challenges. The Annapurna Circuit, a popular trekking route encircling the massif, allows enthusiasts to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the region, including diverse landscapes, quaint villages, and vibrant rhododendron forests.

Mount Annapurna’s mystique extends beyond its physical grandeur; it embodies a captivating blend of natural splendor, cultural significance, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to conquer its formidable heights.

“The right side looks like a freaking bomb went off. So quiet.”

Wild video out of Charakusa Valley, Pakistan where climber and writer Dakota Walz was sitting down for an interview when he witnessed a massive avalanche break loose and come crashing to the valley floor. Crazy timing. What a thing to see firsthand.

Heads up, very strong warning issued from the folks at the Utah Avalanche Center about avalanche danger in the Beehive State for the next two days:

“The avalanche danger is HIGH on steep slopes across the mid and upper elevations. The danger is CONSIDERABLE on many steep slopes. Today’s travel advice is straightforward: TRAVELING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. This includes being below avalanche terrain. TODAY AND TOMORROW HAS AVALANCHE ACCIDENT/FATALITY WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. PLEASE AVOID AVALANCHE TERRAIN!”

Avalanche danger ratings are high to considerable in areas of Logan, Ogden, Uintas, Salt Lake and Provo. Please heed all warning and stay out of avalanche terrain until conditions improve. Stay safe and let your friends know!

FIND COMPLETE UTAH AVALANCHE FORECAST HERE.