Avalanche triggering on steep couloir descent, ABS Airbag 10-03-2011.

[elperronegro]

Shows the airbag in action. Scarily steep couloir before the avalanche hits at 3 minutes 40 seconds. Looks like the airbag saved his life though!

Video here

Quotes from the victim.............................

The corridor was already skied a month ago on the way down in the shade across the top, so in cup for over a month. Entry is 45 ° and regular slope between 38 and 40 °. ENE.

Last snow 10 days ago. Avalanche risk at 2 / 5.

Note that the corridor had been descended by a friend on skis 1 hour before firing.

When changing the slope exposure (shade, sun), I feel the cloak out from under my feet, trying to escape on the right, but the plate is detached over 15 meters.

Everything is accelerating very fast and I'm surrounded by "fridges" in motion. A small spray fires head of casting.

I tell myself I'm going to die because of the size of the avalanche, I'm still standing on skis.

I pull the handle probably 5 seconds after the onset of the plate.
The balloons are inflated in my back and I feel worn.

My legs were beginning to emerge from the blocks to be taken, I do not shoeless.

I descend slowly to me, as soon as my boyfriend, with casting, still sitting on the ABS. The sensation is about time that a rafting down a river a little hectic.

Casting slowed with the slope, I do not move, still sitting and propped by two cushions.

Pouring into the bowl stops, I get up, pushes on my sticks and leaves the cast.

From the onset, I felt supported by the two air bags with a sense of security (may be unwarranted ...) awesome.

I went from "I'm going to die" to "it will go" a fraction of seconds after triggering the ABS.

Note that the entire sequence was filmed (camera on the helmet of my boyfriend), upper hallway until last join me in the accumulation zone, through the outbreak.

Finally thank you to all those who have developed, market and promote use this nice tool.

[Tinkerbell]

OMG that is so scary. Great advert for the ABS Airbag.

[La Gringa]

Lucky escape....love the way they stand directly below the recently avalanched snow to congratulate each other....still in shock though I imagine !!

[Tinkerbell]

I know I thought that too. I guess like you say it must have been shock. Incredible video though.

[Tinkerbell]

Yet more proof that the ABS airbag and Aqualung work well in situations we wouldnt want to be in
Video of skier in avalanche