Craig
New member
I was just reading this article of the recent death of a ski instructor that apparently fell head first into a spruce trap and died. This is a very tragic accident that probably occurs yearly to backcountry skiers.
For the many hikers that have wallowed in spruce traps with snowshoes can attest, it’s can be a daunting prospect extricating yourself. If nothing else this recent death brings to light a very real danger for off trail hikers this time of year (especially with the recent light and fluffy snow).
Has anyone heard of the death of a hiker by exposure, suffocation or the like after falling in a spruce trap?
The cause of death is not yet known. The Pilot reported that McNeil was found with approximately 2 feet of snow over her head in a tree well — or areas of loose snow at the base of evergreen trees — on the side of the run. Her body was positioned in a downward angle, with her head lower than her feet. She was wearing a helmet, and no obvious head injury has been reported. McNeil was last seen by her friends at skier's right of the Big Meadow area. Her friends skied down to the Bar UE chair lift, but McNeil never showed up.
For the many hikers that have wallowed in spruce traps with snowshoes can attest, it’s can be a daunting prospect extricating yourself. If nothing else this recent death brings to light a very real danger for off trail hikers this time of year (especially with the recent light and fluffy snow).
Has anyone heard of the death of a hiker by exposure, suffocation or the like after falling in a spruce trap?