2 people survive Sawtooth avalanche

Two people were carried 100-150 yards and buried in an avalanche they started in the Warm Springs Drainage Sunday.

The Sawtooth Avalanche Center said a skier was fully buried but was able to dig himself out of debris in about 25 minutes. A snowboarder was partially buried, with his head and torso beneath the snow. He was also able to dig himself out. Neither was seriously injured.

Both were riding in “out-of-bounds” terrain on Bald Mountain, outside the ski area boundary.

The Center said the avalanche was at least 150 feet wide.

Experts said the two were lucky to be alive since there are numerous trees on the terrain, which can cause significant trauma. They said skiers often get a false sense of security because “side country” terrain is close to controlled and patrolled areas.

Others are warned that avalanches big enough to bury and kill people will remain likely. Weak layers of snow near ground are adjusting to the weight of new snow. It will take days or weeks for many slopes to stabilize, especially if storms continue to move through the area.

Avalanche danger is currently rated “considerable” in the Sawtooth region.