This week another person was found dead in a tree well at a ski area. It is the 2nd death in Colorado this ski season from skiers falling into a tree well.
According to Steamboat Today, Grace Lynn McNeil was 23 and a ski instructor. She got separated from her friends while skiing at Steamboat Ski Area on Tuesday.
She was found the next morning heard first in a tree well. Most likely she suffocated. An autopsy is being performed to determine if that’s the case.
In December a 22 year old died at Wolf Creek Ski Area. Alex Singer was training to work on the ski patrol at Copper Mountain. He was skiing inbounds but was skiing in an ungroomed area. He was found by a snowboarder the next day. He died of suffocation and hypothermia.
What are tree wells?
Tree wells are areas of less packed snow around the base of trees. Evergreen trees cause snow to accumulate on the branches and then fall away from the trunk. Since it often falls off in big clumps when the sun comes out or the wind blows, it is more packed.
Snow may blow in close to the trunk but it won’t be as packed. Also several feet of the tree may be burried. This can leave pockets without snow between the branches. It may not be easy to spot that there’s a tree well.
Why are They Dangerous?
Skiers that aren’t experience skiing where there’s deep snow may not be aware of tree wells. Because they aren’t easy to spot, even experienced skiers may ski too close. When the skier goes over the soft snow, they may fall in.
According to studies done by the NW Avalanche Institute, 90% of skiers that fell in a tree well couldn’t get out on their own. If the skier has fallen head first, they can suffocate fairly quickly. If they can breathe but no one is around to help, they can die from hypothermia.
I’ve fallen into several tree wells while skiing in the backcountry. Although friends have helped me out sometimes, I’ve never felt like I couldn’t get out on my own. Since I telemark ski, my heels are free so I can move more to get my skis off. Even so I’ve spent 15 minutes getting out.
Tips to be Safe(er)
- Ski with friends and check frequently that you can see them.
- Avoid getting too close to trees. Of course I love skiing through the trees in the backcountry and there isn’t always much room between trees. In those conditions, the tip above is critical.
- If you fall in face first, use the same advice as when caught by an avalanche. Try using hands or moving head to get an air pocket.
- Don’t struggle! Much like with quicksand you’ll just sink deeper.
- Use ski poles crossed over each other to get some support. If possible get skis off and cross them to get more support to pull yourself up
- If with someone that has fallen in, get to them quickly to make sure they can breathe and then help them get out.
Want to know even more about tree wells? Tree Well and Deep Snow Safety has more great information.
– UltraRob
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