Updated info sent in on 1/26/2012: Thanks!!
I was in the Hidden Canyon avalanche of 1-22-12 I would like you all to know that the group was 3 snowboarders and one skier. Only 2 of us were caught in the slide. No one was partially buried and no one required assistance to become unburied. The two caught in the slide self rescued via death grip on a tree. All four people in the group have had avalanche training. We also knew that this avalanche cycle is one of the worst ever. It is true we didnt have our avy gear with us. So yes we did f*@# up in that aspect, but beacons and shovels wouldnt have saved me or my buddy if we had gone much further down the slide path because those trees and cliffs would have smashed the life out of us, The group did not intend to ski into Hidden Canyon, we were traversing when the avy hit. Our plan was to traverse above the chutes and ski the ridge line between Lack-o-waxen and Hidden Canyon with the ultimate goal of skiing some low angle trees off of 10420. Looking back at what we did wrong, and I know from everyone out there that this is a long list so I won't hit on the obvious. First , we should have hiked straight up Claytons Peak from the chair lift and then we would have been on the ridge line without having to traverse above Brown Spot (The Hidden Canyon Headwall). Second, as crazy as this sounds If i had been on skis, I believe this slide would not have happened. Because, as we traversed above the chutes the skier in our group was able to maintain a high traverse and was safely above the crown. The slide was triggered when 2 of us (snowboarders) stopped together at a spot way too low off the ridge. Thirdly, our spacing on the traverse was really bad. when the 2 of us stopped next to each other the weight of both of us together triggered the slide.
Original report:
Brighton Patrol received report of a avalanche in the Hidden Canyon sidecountry area around 11AM. They reported a group of four was on the slope when it slide. All 4 were caught and carried. 2 partially buried, but uninjured.
They knew the hazard was HIGH, but stated they were more aware now. They carried no rescue gear although at least one had rescue gear in the car.
