Avalanche: Mill Hollow

Snow biker caught and almost fully buried on small steep slope along Mill Hollow Rd. There were 3 tracks on it before it slid.

The buried rider only had his hand sticking out of the snow. He was dug out in a matter of seconds and was uninjured. This group all had avalanche rescue gear.

From the reporting party:

I wasn’t going to post this because I really didn’t want my wife to know. But if I can spread awareness and talk even one person into getting a beacon then it’s worth it. My buddy Rob and I were side hilling this slope. I was leading and a little higher and made it through when I looked back the snow and Rob were gone! We flew back to find him! I launched my bike up into the avalanche where I saw a hand sticking out of the snow. It was Rob!! I got his head free and started looking for others. We had 4 guys un accounted for. 2 guys rolled up and we radioed the others! Super lucky! I learned a couple things!

1- just because there are tracks across a side hill doesn’t make it safe

2- Know the number of guys you are with because thinking of all the names of the guys in your group is seriously hard when you are wondering if one of them is buried!

3- radios are a tool I never thought I’d use in an avalanche situation

4- i will admit to this! Keeping your composure and staying calm in that situation is near impossible! I lost it!

Forecaster comments: Thanks to the party involved for sharing this info so that we can all learn.