The backcountry, it's getting sketchy... - Page 2 - Snowboarding Forum

**killclimbz** · 01-19-2012, 10:05 AM

Another good video from the UAC and Park City Ski patrol doing avalanche control. Bruce Tremper shows why the snow pack is so crappy this year in Utah and Colorado. If this doesn't set off warning alarms for you, nothing will.

ShredLife · 01-19-2012, 10:19 AM

goddamn that layer looks sooo nasty.. i'm glad i live in the PNW - that kind of danger makes the BC look like no fun.

**killclimbz** · 01-19-2012, 11:34 AM

It's the price you pay for super light dry powder. That layer is way more pronounced than in years past. In fact I have never seen so much of it. Everyone is freaking out, which is a good thing, since that means they are thinking about it. Once it gets buried deep enough, the facets will turn to rounds and bond. That will take weeks though.

snowvols · 01-19-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcameron11

2 things, so I have no BC experience is this considered a slab avalanche? also when it slid it seemed to stop rather quickly, is this because the terrain was not as steep as some other avalanches i have seen?

Vibes to the skiers family RIP

Yes that is considered a slab avalanche. You can tell form the video that wind loading was still happening while they were filming. The runout didn't occur very long due to the pitch of the terrain so you are right in that aspect. The report says the slope was 36 degrees so right in the zone. If you want to get your nerd on there are more photos and another video of that slide.

Avalanche: Wolf Creek Pass 1/17/2012 | Utah Avalanche Center

snowvols · 01-19-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killclimbz

Another good video from the UAC and Park City Ski patrol doing avalanche control. Bruce Tremper shows why the snow pack is so crappy this year in Utah and Colorado. If this doesn't set off warning alarms for you, nothing will.

Saw that video when they posted it up on facespace. It is an awesome video for sure. There are reports of wide spread natural occurring here since last night 15" or so fell and I am stuck at work

**killclimbz** · 01-19-2012, 12:22 PM

Well, it's started snowing in the mountains here. 2-4" at most places overnight, but it is still snowing. I am thinking we'll be in the two-three foot zone by Monday morning. The real story is the winds. 90mph gusts were forecasted for yesterday. 60's today. Brutal winds. Hopefully they calm down. I'll check it out on Sunday. My guess is we are going to be doing some very low angle stuff...

ColoRADical · 01-20-2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killclimbz

Another good video from the UAC and Park City Ski patrol doing avalanche control. Bruce Tremper shows why the snow pack is so crappy this year in Utah and Colorado. If this doesn't set off warning alarms for you, nothing will.

2:04 to the end of that video

This storm coming in will really improve the situation

(You have to read my post and watch the video for full effect)

IdahoFreshies · 01-21-2012, 12:02 AM

i think im going to go take an avi class with a couple of friends if i plan on riding more out of bounds or Back country, just to learn the tips and things to look out for.

marcdeo · 01-21-2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoFreshies

i think im going to go take an avi class with a couple of friends if i plan on riding more out of bounds or Back country, just to learn the tips and things to look out for.

Diddo. No BC for me until I take a full fledged avy course including practice with the equiptment. I've said it before and I'll say it again. This forum may have saved my life. thanks guys.

(aside - Branch through the chest!?!?!? damn.... what a gruesome site to stumble upon)
thoughts with the families of those that perished.

**killclimbz** · 01-21-2012, 11:33 AM

Definitely take an avalanche course. You need to know the basics to help you make the right decisions out there. The wrong decision can quite literally be deadly.

01-19-2012, 10:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
ShredLife The Rooster King Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,387	goddamn that layer looks sooo nasty.. i'm glad i live in the PNW - that kind of danger makes the BC look like no fun. __________________ get the hell off my lawn.

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01-19-2012, 10:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,253	Another good video from the UAC and Park City Ski patrol doing avalanche control. Bruce Tremper shows why the snow pack is so crappy this year in Utah and Colorado. If this doesn't set off warning alarms for you, nothing will.

01-19-2012, 11:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,253	It's the price you pay for super light dry powder. That layer is way more pronounced than in years past. In fact I have never seen so much of it. Everyone is freaking out, which is a good thing, since that means they are thinking about it. Once it gets buried deep enough, the facets will turn to rounds and bond. That will take weeks though.

01-19-2012, 12:22 PM	#16 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,253	Well, it's started snowing in the mountains here. 2-4" at most places overnight, but it is still snowing. I am thinking we'll be in the two-three foot zone by Monday morning. The real story is the winds. 90mph gusts were forecasted for yesterday. 60's today. Brutal winds. Hopefully they calm down. I'll check it out on Sunday. My guess is we are going to be doing some very low angle stuff...

01-21-2012, 11:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
killclimbz Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Front Range Posts: 9,253	Definitely take an avalanche course. You need to know the basics to help you make the right decisions out there. The wrong decision can quite literally be deadly.