Crazy Avalanche Self Rescue Video!

I think there is a lot to learn from other peoples avalanche survival stories. This one comes from Southeast Wyoming and is probably the most vivid one out there. This video contains graphic language and images. The reality of self rescue after an avalanche is no joke. These guys were only a couple of miles from the car. PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO IF YOU SPEND ANYTIME IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN!

Backcountry ski film Solitaire showing this week at the Borah Theater

This Thursday at the Borah Theater in Moscow the UI ski team will be showing a rad backcountry ski film. Check out the trailer.

There will be two shows. One at 7pm and at 9pm. Tickets will be $5 pre-sale, and $6 dollars at the door. A pre-sale ticket booth will be set up outside of the Idaho Commons the week of the movie premier.  Be sure to come by and support your local ski team.

Persistant Weak Layers

This seasons snowpack may be shaping up as a dangerous snowpack capable of large to the ground avalanches. The snow that fell first was followed by a cold clear conditions which lead to a layer of surface hoar that has been covered by the last set of storms. I'm really concerned that the last few day may cause a sun crust to form which may make it very unlikely that future storms cycles will be able to effect the weak layer which is closest to the ground. Last week I headed up to Lookout Pass and Freezeout Ridge. Snowpack conditions were similar at both locations with a weak layer of facets near the ground with anywhere from 10-20 inches of denser snow on top.



St. Regis Basin 12-1-11

Up at Freezeout, surface hoar crystals were already forming.

Surface Hoar Crystals Freezeout Ridge 11-29-11



Please feel free to send observation in and be careful out there folks!

Jamie Pierre Killed in Avalanche

I learned early this morning that skier Jamie Pierre was killed in an avalanche inside the closed Snowbird Ski Area in Utah's Wasatch Range. Jamie was a huge influence on me. It wasn't just the huge cliff drops but more the joy he got from sliding down a hill with sticks strapped to his feet. I hate to think he got complacent in the early season but that really doesn't matter now. Here is the link to the Utah Avalanche Center initial report. (http://utahavalanchecenter.org/accident_gad_valley_11132011) My thoughts and prayers are going out to his family and friends. Stay safe out there folks!



photo: Powdermag.com



Updated NWS Forecast and Early Season Avalanches

       Forecast looking really good. The NWS has upgraded thier Winter Storm Advisory to a Winter Storm Warning. Storm totals for higher elevations could definitely reach 20 inches in the Stevens Lake/St. Regis Area. Be very cautious of early season avalanches especially in wind loaded gullies with rocky runout zones. Many early season skiers and snowboarder as well as hunters and ice climbers are well within the danger zone. Safety first and remember even a small avalanche can sweep you over cliffs. Stay safe and have a great weekend!



Gem Lake, MT October 24, 2009
Photo: West Central Montana Avalanche Center



Up to 10 inches of snow forcast for this weekend!

       Sorry for the lack of pictures of the first snow! My camera crapped out this last week. New one on its way. Anyways, looks like Monday of next week will be prime 1st day of the season material. Be sure to fill in for people this weekend at work so you can take Monday or Tuesday off! In past years, hiking up at Lookout Pass Ski Area has been great or XC skiing out towards St. Regis Lake Basin, MT.



A picture from Lookout Pass November 18, 2010



       If you can't make it up to Lookout Pass there is still a great chance we can ski (with rock skis of course) up at Palouse Divide Ski Area. Keep your eye on the Harvard Hill webcam that you can easily access through the Palouse Divide Nordic Club website. The UIOP gear swap is tomorrow night so we'll see ya there.

      Also note that its time to get a Park N' Ski Pass. There 25$ a year and help support grooming. You can get one at Hyperspud Sports in downtown Moscow. Check out the Idaho State website at  http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/parknski.aspx  for more information.