Avalanche: California Style Tragedy

     It made headlines; it was a tragedy in nature; it was caused by natural forces; it killed 9 people, mostly middle-aged women.  Given the magnitude of the event, the number of deaths, and the location, it was bound to be reported broadly by media outlets.

     The New York Times covered the event in depth with photos, maps, and interviews of survivors, of which there were six. Three of the six were dug out of the snow mass by 3 other survivors who escaped the tide of displaced snow. The nine others were unable to be rescued in time to save their lives.

   Growing up in Northern California, one hears of the fate of The Donner Party. The story is a pioneer story of immigrants moving to California, chasing the dream of a new, more prosperous life in a land of plenty, a beautiful, magival place with giant trees, endless farmland, a bountiful ocean shore, peaceful indigenous tribe members, and empty space. Most hadn't heard of Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, or the Sacramento River. But they did know of the Sierra, its heights and crests and what could be bitterly cold winters with huge amounts of snow that stays around for months.

      So, off they go, risking everything: California or Bust. And they missed the window and got caught by the winter snow. They were stuck in  the Truckee area, near Donner Lake. They couldn't move-not east to Nevada nor west to Sacramento valley. They were at the mercy of elements. Some died. Some survived. Some resorted to cannibalism. One survivor, Mr. Reed, arrived in the Santa Clara Valley where he prospered,and lived the 'dream'. He gave his name to Reed St., near San Jose State College.

    The group of skiers were guided by Blackbird Mountain Guides, a local organization that specializes in back country ski experiences. The skiers had done similar tours and were not inexperienced. But, they relied on the hired experts who had training in alpine skiing in fresh powder, the goal of the group. They were targeting Frog Lake, alpine puddle of sorts, above '8000'ft.  When they arrived, the guides and party members realized that the storm would dump several feet of new snow. The guides decided it would serve all members well to leave the cabins and return to the parking lot where they started. Ample warnings had been issued.