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Show Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, April 15-18, 2017 The Park Record A-5 COUNTY SEAT COUNTY EDITOR: ANGELIQUE McNAUGHTON 649-9014 EXT. 112 | Countynews@parkrecord.com Avalanche Center will issue final advisory of the season No fatalities were reported for the first time in 26 years ANGELIQUE MCNAUGHTON The Park Record The Utah Avalanche Center will issue its final regular season avalanche advisory on Sunday and forecasters are hoping to end the season on a high note. As of Friday, there had been no avalanche fatalities reported this season. According to the avalanche center, an average of four avalanche fatalities a year have been recorded since 1990. “We have had lots of snow, lots of avalanches and had a couple of close calls. But the good news is that technology is working in our advantage and people are getting our information,” said Craig Gordon, a forecaster with the Utah Avalanche Center. “The beauty is all of this technology is working and that has been a huge step in the right direction.” Last year, two avalanche fatalities were reported in Utah, including one in the backcountry outside of the boundary of Park City Mountain Resort in an area known as Shale Shot that claimed the life of a Wanship man. Winter’s later arrival in the Wasatch Mountains likely “worked to our advantage,” Gordon said. He added, “We didn’t get a lot of early season snow, which can grow structurally weak and sugary and then give us issues for the rest of the winter.” “We got a lot of snow and we had violent storms that came in COURTESY OF THE UTAH AVALANCHE CENTER Whitney Basin in the Uinta Mountains, shown above , currently has a deep stable snowpack with conditions considered favorable. The Utah Avalanche Center will issue its final advisory of the season on Sunday. However, forecasters warn about the ongoing threat of spring avalanches. fast and furious. They laid down feet of snow and inches of water and there were many times when the avalanche risk was high and even extreme,” Gordon said. “Given all of those factors, I think our magnitude of outreach has grown and it has become commonplace to get the advisory before doing any backcountry recreating.” Gordon praised outdoor recreaters for being diligent in checking conditions and avoiding risky areas. He also attributed the reduction in fatalities to improved avalanche gear and technology. “I think, a lot of time, we think of technological advances in rescue gear, but what we have to remember is that on the front end avalanche avoidance is really the big-ticket item,” Gordon said. “Using technology to our advantage, knowing the type of terrain to avoid and recognizing the conditions all have helped us to turn the corner this year to a fatality-free season.” While Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resorts are scheduled to close on Sunday, Gordon warned “that doesn’t mean there won’t be any avalanches.” Gordon said spring storms are common and often produce rapidly changing conditions. He emphasized that once the resorts close, avalanche control will end. “People need to be cognizant of changing conditions and be aware of recent avalanche activity,” Gordon said. “Even though we are turning the corner toward a predictable snowpack, folks should be aware there is always an inherent risk. Please see Avalanche, A-6 DON’T MISS THIS LIFT Discover this intimate collection of modern residences adjacent to the Sunrise chairlift, steps from intriguing boutiques and sunny après patios, with a one-of-a-kind pool deck overlooking Retreat ski-home trail. Lift is already 85% reserved, and ownership is now on a first-come, first-served reservation basis. Don’t miss your final opportunity. FULLY FURNISHED RESIDENCES STARTING AT $610,000 Please visit the Canyons Village Sales Gallery or call 435.659.8993 liftparkcity.com Lift residences are not currently being offered for sale. Reservations are expressions of interest only and may not result in a binding agreement for purchase once residences are offered for sale. All renderings and illustrative maps are conceptual only and subject to change. Amenities shown in renderings and illustrative maps are proposed, have not received county approval and may not occur. © 2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Home Services of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Errors & omissions excepted. |