In a heart-pounding incident, Steve Gourley found himself caught in an avalanche while skiing down Davis Gulch in Utah. Equipped with his GoPro helmet camera, Gourley captured the terrifying moments as he was carried along 650 vertical feet by an unintentionally triggered hard slab avalanche.

Fortunately, Gourley was not completely buried due to wearing a backpack with emergency equipment and a helmet, although he did not have an airbag. In a comment on YouTube, he shared his experience and the actions he took to increase his chances of survival.

Gourley described his efforts to stay upright and face downhill, getting as close to the crown and behind the mass of snow as possible. He found himself in a challenging whitewater survival position, trying to maintain stability. Contrary to popular belief, swimming in avalanche snow is not effective due to its characteristics. Pushing off or pulling on the snow may not provide enough support, and attempting to reset can lead to negative gains and rolling.

Remarkably, Gourley attributes his ability to stay on top of the snow to the extra surface area provided by his poles, which helped stabilize him. It was a hair-raising experience, and despite the lighthearted music in the video, the gravity of the situation is evident.

We are relieved to know that Gourley made it back safely. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of backcountry skiing and the importance of being prepared with the right equipment and knowledge. Stay safe out there, adventurers!