The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Buried Alive: Anna Conrad's Five-Day Fight Beneath the Snow | E 143

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In this gripping episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing story of Anna Conrad, who survived five days buried under an avalanche at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in 1982. As the snow blanketed the Sierra Nevada mountains, Anna's remarkable tale of survival defied all odds. They delve into the events leading up to the avalanche, the rescue operation, and the impact it had on avalanche safety and the skiing community. This episode also touches on other devastating avalanches, the science behind them, and the importance of respecting the raw power of nature. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the balance of risk and reward in mountain adventures and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

00:00 Introduction and Winter Inspiration
00:51 The Alpine Meadows Avalanche of 1982
01:58 The Perfect Storm: Conditions Leading to Disaster
03:35 Anna Conrad's Fateful Decision
06:34 The Avalanche Strikes
09:08 The Aftermath and Search Efforts
12:18 Anna Conrad's Incredible Survival
17:49 Rescue and Recovery
21:33 Anna's Miraculous Rescue and Hospitalization
23:21 Anna's Remarkable Recovery and Graduation
24:09 Back on Skis: Anna's Unbelievable Comeback
24:33 Avalanche Safety Insights with Julie
29:07 Personal Avalanche Tragedies and Lessons
32:20 Anna Conrad's Life Today and Her Legacy
35:44 Remembering the Victims of the 1982 Avalanche
38:11 Modern Avalanche Dangers and Safety Measures
42:33 Final Reflections and Call to Action
Check out the Documentary, here is a trailer from youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4NpOlJ_O-I

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Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

References for Alpine Meadows Avalanche Podcast
Primary Historical Sources
  1. North Lake Tahoe Bonanza (April 7, 1982) - "From 1982: Avalanche survivor buried five days"
    • RGJ Archive Link
      1. United Press International (June 21, 1982) - "Anna Conrad graduation story"
        • UPI Archives Link
          • In-Depth Historical Coverage
          1. Tahoetopia - "Tragic Alpine Meadows Avalanche - March 31, 1982"
            • Full Article
              1. Unofficial Alpine - "The Legacy of Alpine Meadows: The 1982 Avalanche"
                • [Article Link](https://unofficialalpine.com/?p=16595)
                  • Recent Coverage and Retrospectives
                  1. Fox Weather (2024) - "Sole survivor of deadly 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche recalls hope"
                    • Fox Weather Article
                      1. Ski Magazine - "A Wall of White: A 1982 Avalanche Revisited"
                        • [Ski Magazine Article](https://www.skimag.com/adventure/wall-white-1982-avalanche-revisted/)
                        • [Part 2: Buried Alive](https://www.skimag.com/adventure/buried-alive-part-2/)
                          • Recent Avalanche Incidents and Safety
                          1. AP News (2024) - "Avalanche kills 1, injures 3 at California ski resort"
                            • [AP Article](https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-california-ski-resort-482ec822c87a9ed5829001f8ac887a3b)
                              1. Outside Online - "Steamboat Resort Avalanche"
                                • [Outside Article](https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/snow-sports/steamboat-resort-avalanche/)
                                  1. Sports Illustrated - "Steamboat Ski Resort Record-Breaking Avalanche"
                                    • [SI Article](https://www.si.com/onsi/adventure/latest-news/steamboat-ski-resort-observes-recording-breaking-avalanche-over-weekend)
                                      • Technical Resources
                                      1. AccuWeather - "How do avalanches occur?"
                                        • [AccuWeather Article](https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/how-do-avalanches-occur/337081#google_vignette)
                                          1. USA Today - "Palisades avalanche near Lake Tahoe risks"
                                            • [USA Today Article](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/11/palisades-tahoe-avalanche-snow-sports-risks-winter/72182234007/)
                                              • Additional Resources
                                              1. Wikipedia - Alpine Meadows Ski Resort
                                                • [Wikipedia Entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_Meadows_(ski_resort))
                                                  1. NBC News - Historical Coverage
                                                    • [NBC Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22649571)

                                                      •  


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                                                      The CRUX: True Survival StoriesBy Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
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