Pump Peak Burial

Activity

Snowshoeing

Total in the group?

2

People partly buried with impaired breathing?

1

People not injured (caught but not buried)?

1

People involved?

2

Snow depth at trigger point

Shallow

Two snowshoers descending from Pump Peak triggered a size 2 avalanche on a S aspect in an area that was steep, rocky, and where the snowpack was likely locally shallow. One person was carried a distance and partially buried, while the other was more deeply buried with snow impairing breathing. The first person dug themselves out from the snow, called 911, then proceeded to search for their partner. Luckily their partner's snowshoe was visible sticking out of the snow and they dug their partner out by hand.

North Shore Rescue promptly responded and managed the victim's hypothermia in the stormy conditions. The ultimate outcome was very fortunate considering that the victims were not equipped with avalanche gear or education.