In dangerous conditions during or following a big snow storm, it’s always advisable to ski or snowboard with a friend.
Rocklin snowboarder Wenyu Zhang was found dead Friday morning in the Squaw Creek area of the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows ski resort in Lake Tahoe.
Zhang, who was described as an advanced snowboarder, was last seen by friends at the resort about 12:45 p.m. Thursday as he headed out to go snowboarding, said Dena Erwin, Placer County sheriff’s spokeswoman. When he failed to return, his friends reported him missing about 9 p.m.
The 42-year old Zhang was reported missing Thursday night by friends, according to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows spokesperson Liesl Hepburn. The Squaw Creek area is a popular intermediate area for skiers and snowboarders.
Zhang was found at 10:17 a.m., in bounds at the resort. He was wearing a helmet when he was found. His death has not been determined, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s office.
Although he was found near a group of small trees, his body showed no signs of trauma. The cause of death has not been determined. Zhang was wearing a helmet when he was found.
“During large snow events like the current one, it is highly recommended to ski with a buddy,” a safety message from Sugar Bowl ski resort said. “You should always maintain visual contact with your partner skiing the same slope. Before heading down the mountain, agree which route you are taking, stop periodically to regroup and if you lose sight of your buddy assume he or she is in danger, then try to regain contact immediately. Always use good judgment, ski with a partner, maintain visual contact and have a safe and fun day on the mountain!
According to Sugar Bowl ski resort, skiing or riding in the trees and tree wells requires using good judgment and following a few key safety tips can minimize your risk of snow immersion suffocation (SIS). Each skier or snowboarder controls his or her own level of risk. Only you can prevent this type of accident from happening.
Ski with a Friend safety tips
- If you are unsure of your ability in deep snow, stay on groomed runs; do not go into the trees.
- Always ski and ride with a partner.
- Always stay in visual contact so that your partner(s) can see you if you fall.
- Stay close enough to either pull or dig out a partner should they fall in deep snow. If you have any question about what “close enough” to assist someone in a tree well is, hold your breath while you are reading this. The amount of time before you need air may be how much time your partner has to pull or dig you out of danger.
- Remember, if you lose visual contact with your partner you could lose your friend.
- It is important to know that most people who have died in deep snow or tree well accidents had been skiing or riding with “partners” at the time of their accident. Unfortunately, none of these partners were in visual contact so they were not able to be of help in a timely manner. For more info visit www.deepsnowsafety.org.
