What's wrong with this photo...

[CookieMonster]

some good points. I was referring to wind loading at the time of photo. I could see the drifting in the snow but still I can not tell how affected the snow is. Thought I would provoke some discussion. I think you could safely ski this slope by paying attention on the way up. As for the change over, yes it would of been better been below the rocks. However we were not there maybe they were comfortable with the snow and felt like going higher. We are not there maybe all they found was 6" of fluff on a firm base.

Thanks for the info, and I apologise if my reply seemed sharp - that wasn't my intent. ( I'm trying to work on my tone. )

[TEXASS]

Rocks, and sun. My red flag. Was in a slide in Wyoming. Rocks. and sun. This coverage near rocks and sun bad juju

[iscariot]

Group Decision Maker??? wtf?

If "he" was deciding what to ski; then "they" fucked up before they ever put their boots on.

Exactly my thought.

[DasBlunt]

Looks like luck it did not slide.....Also wonder why they did not finish the climb? Maybe they got spooked?.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Looks like luck it did not slide.....Also wonder why they did not finish the climb? Maybe they got spooked?.

Maybe the snow was shallow and rotten and they didn't want to ski on rocks?

[shredcity]

Enjoyed reading this, cheers for posting!

[soleofskiing]

Great discussion. Thanks for the honest post and the willingness to receive feedback. This situation screams "Human Factors". First some feedback on approaching your friends. I would try to do that on a one on one or a one on two situation. If you try to do something like that in a larger group people tend to posture and get defensive. Also, you should approach the people you feel closest with first. As for what the conversation should be about, keep it open and honest. Come from a place of inquiry and try to really understand what was going on inside their heads. Chances are they will persuade themselves in the end that it was a poor situation.

As for the human factors, FACETS is a great way to analyze how dangerous the human factor was in this group (see below). I would say at least 4 of the following factors were present, maybe even all 6? The more factors present, the more dangerous a situation become. I'd take a good long look at the recent info put on on human factors from black diamond and powder also share it with your buddies. It could save a life. http://www.powder.com/human-factor/index.php


PHOTO: BRUNO LONG
Heuristic 1
FAMILIARITYI’ve skied this line a dozen times and it’s always held.

Heuristic 4
EXPERT HALOThe guide or the local guy must know what he’s doing.




Heuristic 2
ACCEPTANCEI’m not gonna be the one to chicken out/ruin the day; or I need to please my sponsors.

Heuristic 5
TRACKS/SCARCITYLet’s get the goods before someone else does!




Heuristic 3
COMMITMENT/CONSISTENCYWe’ve come this far we might as well go the whole way.

Heuristic 6
SOCIAL FACILITATION/PROOFThose other guys, or my buddies, are ripping it–clearly it’s safe.

[old goat]

I'm not qualified to comment on the avalanche risk. I do think that sometimes it's better to be thought a dick than to try to be everyone's friend. Way too many drunks wrap themselves around trees because their friends were afraid of seeming self-righteous and judgmental. Say it as diplomatically as you can but say it--at least if they ignore your advice you'll be better able to live with yourself. It takes a lot more courage to do or say something unpopular than to ski a sketchy line in sketchy conditions.