NFF - Aaron "Avalanche" Stiny.......

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Kiene's manager Aaron Stiny was caught in an avalnche while CAT skiing last month........if this went bad it could have ruined my retirement.

http://vimeo.com/38897916

[Darian]

Scary Stuff!! Looks like Aaron can take care of himself in a tight situation.... :nod:

[EricO]

Dang. We need some details.

So Aaron, how far did that thing take you? Looks like a good distance.

Where you skiiing in an OOB area? Sure is a lot of powder.
EO

[aaron]

North shore backcountry, cold stream canyon area. I got carried 300ft, ran around 500 total. Luckily a bit of a double fall line and I was left on the high side before it strained those trees. A foot to the right and I'd be toast.

Started as a small wet slab release that quickly stepped down into the new snow layer from the previous storm cycle.
More details/pics in this post http://powfly.org/2012/03/21/i-got-caught/ There's a SAC incident report out there as well.

[k.hanley]

Aaron you did a great job swimming and staying focused on the fall line. Excellent adjustment to your left side.

It happens faster than most people can imagine. The snow is heavier and more powerful than expected. Glad to see you didn't sustain any injury (other than a mega-pounding heart!).

Having the proper training and personnel immediately in the area would have certainly made a difference if things had turned "toward the negative."

I never took a single day in the mountains for granted during my mountaineering guiding days.

See you at Bill's Fair buddy.
Cheers, Ken

[shawn kempkes]

were you up at tinkers knob?

[Ed Wahl]

Aaron, respect. :thumbsup:

Ed

[aaron]

were you up at tinkers knob?
somewhat close, but a ways to the east from their.