SeattleMet Articles -December 2011

The article discusses the avalanche accident at Tunnel Creek which is near Stevens Pass along with interviews with Mark Moore and Marcus's group.

www.seattlemet.com/travel-and-outdoors/a...che-december-2011/1/

The same issue has an article about Warren Miller.

www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-entertainmen...egend-december-2011/

If anyone has questions about the Tunnel Creek accident article, I can try to field them.

Sobering story. Especially since the avy danger looked like it was 'moderate' where the slide occurred below 4000'! Those wet slides in early spring are scary...

This was a hard article to read given the tragic outcome but extremely informative. Many years back, we intended a backside run to the hairpin turn and within a few minutes of sun breaking through the clouds, we noticed shooting cracks appearing. By stomping at the edge of a bowl, the entire thing took off in the form of a wet slide. Given the snow had been cold most of the day, it was scary how quick 8, maybe 10 minutes of sun changes the game that drastically. I also saw a few minutes of sun generate a very large avalanche off Silverstar on a climb there in the spring. Subdued all interest in finishing that effort as the aspect and orientation forwarned that the final pitch was not to be tested. The article gives insights of a condition not always properly respected. Thanks for posting it !

This article bugs me. Starting with the opening abstract, it creates a theme that seems to say, without explicitly saying so, that it's the NWAC crew's responsibility to save us from ourselves when in the backcountry. In the final paragraph, the author seems to be asking the survivor whether he blames NWAC for his friend's unfortunate death.

Tragic accident, but annoying assumptions being made by Seattle Met.

Does anyone know what "... there is a do-not-resuscitate policy in King County" means in this context? Thanks!

I suspect this was a misunderstanding of the author.  I can only guess that the Patroller was referring to medical control (an ER doc) calling off efforts due to pt. condition, down time, lack of pt. response, and other circumstances of the incident.  This would only be done after all efforts and options were exercised.

The only reasons to withold or cease efforts in King County are:
■injuries incompatible with life (decapitation)
■dependent lividity, rigor mortis
■advance directive stating resuscitation should be withheld (legal DNR paperwork signed by pt. and their physician)
■compelling reasons to withhold resuscitation (end stage of a terminal condition with written or verbal refusal from family, or patient)

Thanks!