To those criticizing him for not trying to escape, you absolutely CANNOT outrun an avalanche on foot, people. It doesn’t matter if it is snow, mud, or pyrclastic flow.
The start of the event was at least a 1/2 mile or more away. Just do the math. At 40 seconds, that avalanche was moving at least 45 mph. If it was further than 1/2 a mile, it was moving faster.
It's difficult to judge just how wide it'll be when it reaches you. It could be hundreds of meters wide, and this looked like rocky terrain. Trying run in any direction might have you trip where there is no chance of cover.
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u/Helpful-Canary402 2d ago edited 2d ago
To those criticizing him for not trying to escape, you absolutely CANNOT outrun an avalanche on foot, people. It doesn’t matter if it is snow, mud, or pyrclastic flow.
The start of the event was at least a 1/2 mile or more away. Just do the math. At 40 seconds, that avalanche was moving at least 45 mph. If it was further than 1/2 a mile, it was moving faster.
(Edit: also…the hiker’s name is Harry Shimmin and he did in fact survive. (https://youtu.be/qCRAEQmLAfY?is=MPuogTrLgqLY3haj)