Sapphire Size 2 - full burial in-bounds

Quick report

Weather

cloudy

Ride Type

alpineSlopes

Riding Quality

amazing

Snow Conditions

powder

Avalanche Conditions

avalancheConditionSnow

Glacier / Blowhole into Sapphire traverse toward ZutZut. Heading into the traverse above the likes of Winky Pop, Surf's Up and just beyond Double Rubble when the slope completely slid. Fortunately, our group was well spread out (on my instruction, thankfully), but the slide was still large enough to move five of us and bury three. Size two human triggered slab, propagated front and rear with a crown said to be approx. 70ft across. The two behind myself were buried, one managed to swim out of the slide and free herself before attending the third person in-line, who was buried to her neck, but fortunately had her head clear. I was not so fortunate and after a huge fight was pulled and pressed down, only managing at the last gasp second to punch to the heavens, somehow getting my glove above the surface. I was choking and completely cemented under. Fortunately, a friend with AST 2 and all gear was on my exposed hand in a matter of seconds - much to my eternal gratitude - and took charge of the dire situation, soon having my airways clear and the snow dislodged from my throat. I would be surprised if I had more than seconds of life in the tank. Beyond terrifying. My friend is a bloody hero. The entire gang were great. Strangely, I was very clear minded and managed to direct the rescue effort from under the snow and everyone escaped with no physical injuries. Sure there will be some emotional heft, as quite the thing, but only we escaped with nothing lost but a ski and a few poles. Patrol responded to the scene with spare ski and we all skied down together.