Signup here to receive the Powder Cloud via email

A novel danger that we cannot easily see? Misleading or often conflicting test results? A public that struggles with message fatigue? Conflicting and competing fears? Determining the Risk Determining the Path Forward Communicating the Path Forward Determining the Risk - The What? Avalanches: In avalanche forecasting, we approach risk via the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard (Statham, et al 2017). It is a clear and repeatable process using data and evidence for gauging risk (potential loss to life and property or other things of …

In the winter of 2016-2017, a quarter of avalanche fatalities in the US were solo travelers. Having a partner to perform a rescue is a fundamental part of avalanche safety. We decided to look at other winters and see how many people in the US were dying solo. The initial focus on solo avalanche fatalities brought to mind a handful of snowmobilers where the victim had left the group and was alone at the time of the avalanche. How often was this an issue with skiers and other user groups? What other situations were there when an avalanche victim with partners was “effectively solo?” …

Signup here to receive the Powder Cloud via email

(Chapters 1-6 can be found HERE) The Crossing In his novel, The Crossing, Cormac McCarthy describes a scene where the two boys, having just crossed the border into Mexico, come into the company of an old man and ask him directions to the ranch of which they seek. The old man proceeded to sketch in the dust streams and promontories and pueblos and mountain ranges. He commenced to draw trees and houses. Clouds. A bird. He penciled in the horsemen themselves doubled upon their mount. Billy leaned forward from time to time to question the measure of some part of their route …

The following blog post is by guest author, UAC observer, and Wasatch Backcountry Alliance vice president Tom Diegel. This post is not intended to represent official opinions of the UAC. Instead, it is to offer a starting point for constructive discussions and thoughts about how to recreate during the current health care crisis. The State of Utah has information about outdoor recreation posted HERE. COVID19. It’s real, and real scary. Got it. But I, probably like you, am already weary of hearing about it. However, regardless of how weary I am of COVID19, it doesn’t matter: …

Our Week in Review highlights significant snowfall, weather, and avalanche events of the previous week. (Click here to review the archived forecasts for the Salt Lake mountains.) The danger roses for the Salt Lake mountains from Friday, March 6 through Thursday, March 12, 2020: Summary: A late-weekend storm delivers a much-needed return to winter Friday/Saturday March 6-7: Low avalanche danger with only small, wet-loose avalanches reported. Sunday, March 8: An over-delivering storm enters the region, snowfall and water totals include: …