November 11, 2020
Snowbrains Podcast - What's the number one tool available to skiers and riders in avalanche terrain?
Mark Staples
Episode #4 of the SnowBrains Podcast interviews Mark Staples
“What’s The #1 Tool Available To Skiers & Riders in Avalanche Terrain?”
Mark Staples & Miles Clark truly connect on having lost loved ones in the mountains, being tolerant in the busy backcountry this Coronavirus season, and learning from mistakes in the mountains.
“Imagine as you’re driving home thru the neighborhood and you’re going just 25mph, which seems kinda slow, right? Stick your head outside the car and nail a mailbox with your head and your neck. You can imagine how that …
Read more June 22, 2020
A Few Thoughts on Covid-19 from an Avalanche Forecaster
Drew Hardesty
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 …
Read more May 12, 2020
Effectively Alone - Will your partners be in position to perform a timely rescue?
Mark Staples
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?” …
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