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Julien Lopez Caught in Massive Avalanche During FWT Event

Feb 03, 2015 By: Jonathan Desabris
7 0

A scary moment at the Freeride World Tour today in Kappl, Austria as competitor Julien Lopez was caught in an avalanche during his run. After crashing and ejecting, Lopez began making his way up to retrieve his skis. He then set off a massive slide, measuring 50 cm deep by 40 meters wide and 100 meters long. He reacted quickly, pulling his airbag, which allowed him to stay on top of the slide and only suffer minor injuries. The video explains the precautions that organizers go through to make the events safe and shows the avalanche itself. This face in particular was bombed 15 times, skied, and checked by local guides in the area. The event has been postponed because of conditions. Footage of the avalanche starts at 1:46. 

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tags: julien lopez |fwt |crash |avalanche safety |avalanche |austria |airbag

I think it is irresponsible of TGR to say that avalanche that Julien was in was MASSIVE - that was a small avalanche.  Let me repeat, that was a small avalanche.

Canadian definition on size:

Size - Destructive Potential
1 - Relatively harmless to people.
2 - Could bury, injure or kill a person.
3 - Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a small building or break a few trees.
4 -  Could destroy a railway car, large truck, several buildings or a forest area up to 4 hectares.
5 - Largest snow avalanche known. Could destroy a village or a forest of 40 hectares.

European definition:

Avalanche size:

Size Runout Potential Damage Physical Size
1 - Sluff - Small snow slide that cannot bury a person, though there is a danger of falling. Unlikely, but possible risk of injury or death to people. length <50 m
volume <100 m³
2 - Small -  Stops within the slope. Could bury, injure or kill a person. length <100 m
volume <1,000 m³
3 - Medium -  Runs to the bottom of the slope. Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy small buildings or break trees. length <1,000 m
volume <10,000 m³
4 - Large - Runs over flat areas (significantly less than 30°) of at least 50 m in length, may reach the valley bottom. Could bury and destroy large trucks and trains, large buildings and forested areas. length >1,000 m
volume >10,000 m³

About The Author

stash member Jonathan Desabris

Digital Content Producer at TGR. Jackson Hole transplant from the Green Mountain State. Contrary to popular belief I have never lived in New Jersey.