Make good avy choices

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

By Planet User

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-January got off to a beautiful start, as one pow day after another tested skiers’ endurance and resulted in sick, overhead pow conditions. Local skiers chilled on the usual B.C. last week, staying off slopes that could have been a problem until later in the week and in general making some good  choices: a hard thing in the face of glittering, powdery temptation.

Considering that ’07-’08 season avalanche deaths are accumulating at an alarming rate in North America, let’s stay smart. American, Canadian, and European avalanche centers are reporting an unusually high rate of fatalities so far this season. As of last weekend, there were 21 avalanche deaths in the U.S. We are rapidly approaching the average of 25 per season. Western Canada has had 10 deaths so far - also above average.

Our area has been lucky, but some close calls with skiers getting caught and carried and skier-triggered slides should remind people to keep up their guard. Know where you are going, who you are going with, and keep an eye on temperatures, aspects, slope degree and recent avy activity. Snow science is inexact, but good choices and observations go a long way.


PERMALINK:
Make good avy choices | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

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