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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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)