Dramatic Video Shows Moment Snowmobiler Is Buried by Wyoming Avalanche
A snowmobiler survived several minutes under snow after being buried by an avalanche in Wyoming’s Star Valley on Monday, January 22, according to a witness.
Footage posted to Instagram shows Mason Mitchell Zak riding his snowmobile before noticing the incoming avalanche. Zak tries to ride away from the avalanche but ends up buried under 2 to 3 feet of snow, according to a witness account.
“We think he was under for about seven minutes. He was conscious, just a little confused, but pumped to be alive and have all of us uncovered and safe,” said Jake Dahl, a friend of Zak’s who was with him.
Dahl was also buried in snow but managed to free himself before helping to extricate Zak.
Speaking to Storyful, Zak said about snowmobiling: “I would just like to raise awareness of how serious it is and how important having the proper gear and training is. [I know] it looks fun and cool but save yourself and others the grief and do your research before going,” he said. Credit: Mason Mitchell Zak via Storyful
Video transcript
[MOTOR REVVING]
- Jeez.
[MOTOR REVVING]
Abby! Abby! Abby! Abby! Abby! Abby!
No. No.
[MOTOR REVVING]
[PANTS]
- [INAUDIBLE] you went from [INAUDIBLE].
- No. I just started [INAUDIBLE]. My hand was just full [INAUDIBLE].
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
- I got [? so ?] [INAUDIBLE].
- [INAUDIBLE]
