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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, March 28-30, 2018 The Park Record B-7 Spring backcountry tips from experts PHIL LINDEMAN Summit Daily Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 21, 2017. It has been updated for accuracy March 2018. BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. – Just because the spring sun is shining doesn’t mean it’s open season in the Colorado backcountry. Need proof? Look to the past: In 2013, a massive avalanche let loose along the Sheep Creek drainage near Loveland Pass, trapping and killing five snowboarders under several hundred tons of snow up to 14 feet deep. The slide happened on April 20 — the Friday before closing day at Breckenridge — at the tail end of a hit-or-miss season, when wildly unpredictable snowfall in December and January led to persistent weak layers under wet, heavy spring snowfall. “It’s easy to let your guard down in the spring because things are generally more predictable,” said Brian Lazar, deputy director for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. In 2016-17 season, two backcountry travelers were buried or killed in a Colorado avalanche, triggered northwest of Summit County, Colorado in the Flat Tops Wilderness by two ski bikers on Feb. 14. One died, the other survived. That’s about five fewer deaths than the state’s 10year average of six deaths per season, but as Lazar said, Colorado snow can be deadly all year long, and it’s the same story across the nation. From 2007 to April 2017, a total of 24 travelers have died in April avalanches between Wyoming, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Colorado, according to CAIC data. Know your forecast April is the true start of spring alpine-touring season. Backcountry skier Fritz Sperry, author of the “MakingTurns” guidebook series, has been making the rounds to 14ers and 13ers in and around Summit. He skied San Luis Peak (14,014 feet) in the San Juan Range — a 17-mile tour with 7,000 vertical feet of climbing — and The Caldera, the wide-open south bowl on Buffalo Mountain. “I’ve been looking at that line for 25 years now, and it was nice to go back and get it done,” Sperry said of The Caldera. Before leaving on any backcountry tour, Sperry goes through the same checklist. It begins with checking daily the avalanche forecast from the CAIC (available through a free mobile app), which details everything a skier needs for a tour: recent avalanche activity, problem aspects, wind-loading events and more, including ground-level observations from fellow travelers. But come springtime, the CAIC forecast isn’t updated daily like it is in the thick of winter, and so backcountry travelers need to fine-tune their forecasting skills. “The first thing people need to understand when they go in the backcountry is that this is not a ski area,” said Karl Birkeland, director of the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Information Center. “They are fully responsible for themselves when they are out there: responsible for assessing the avalanche conditions, responsible for rescuing partners if things go bad and responsible for assessing the specific terrain they want for that day.” For Sperry, if a pre-tour assessment just doesn’t pass the test of experience and knowledge, he’ll turn around — even if he spent several hours getting into avalanche-prone terrain. It happened twice this season on Kit Carson Peak (14,170 feet) in the Sangre de Cristo Range: He encountered a nasty wind slab after traveling for seven miles and was forced to leave. “That can be frustrating, but pushing peaks when the conditions aren’t right isn’t healthy,” Sperry said. “It will be so much better when you come back and the conditions are where you want them to be, but (turning around is) not a failure. Seeing the signs and listening to them — heeding the warnings — is a success in itself.” Know your route For experts like Birkeland and Lazar, one major misconception about avalanches is where they tend to let loose. Yes, many avalanches are triggered by downhill turns in wide-open bowls, but the danger is present from the moment you set ski to snow. “We also give travel advice: what slopes to avoid, where you’ll be likely to run into problems, all of that,” Lazar said, referring to weekly CAIC updates in the latter part of the ski season. “It’s a way to key in on what’s happening out there and ways to keep yourself safe.” Balmy spring days can wreak havoc on exposed terrain near rocks, cliffs and other outcroppings. Lazar points to classic lines on the westerly aspect of the Tenmile Range — Gasoline Alley, the SKY chutes — where prolonged exposure to sun can lead to rapid warming and “wet” avalanche activity. Common signs of danger are pinwheeling balls of snow and soft, slushy surface snow that sinks more than six inches under a boot or ski. Know your ability One of the final major mistakes the experts notice is a disconnect between perceived ability and actual ability. This doesn’t mean you suck — it just means you’re new to this whole backcountry thing. “You could say there tends to be a mismatch between some people’s skill at their sport and their avalanche or backcountry skills,” said Birkeland, who noted that instant access to insane footage on social media has highlighted this concern. “They head out to terrain that matches their skill level, but that terrain is over their head for assessing the avalanche conditions … What people really need to do when they first go into the backcountry is dial things back a bit.” Sperry suggests dialing things back a ton. It’s something even veterans like himself do: When the snow on San Luis Peak went from hard-pack to corn to slush during the descent, he and his crew adjusted their plan of attack. “We skied conservatively until we got to the corn, then we let it loose,” said Sperry, who added there are “no heroes and no egos” in the backcountry. “We adapted to the conditions. It was your San Juan epic sort of thing — everything on one trip.” The final tip to remember is the difference between goals and objectives, Sperry and Birkeland said. Your goals can be bottomless — skin that route, summit that peak, ski that line — but your objective is always the same: to get home alive. “One thing everyone needs to realize is that the mountains will be there tomorrow and next week and next year,” Birkeland said. “They aren’t going anywhere. There are days when everything is nearly safe and there are days when the mountains will kill you. You need to pick the right days to be there.” Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Ava Bubble Yum Leo Ava is a 1-year-old Lab mix. She is a very energetic girl who loves to play. She plays with other dogs and seems to ignore cats. Ava is learning some basic manners but is a fast learner! She’s a happy and sweet girl who loves people! Meet Bubble Yum, a 2-year-old Shepherd mix who is just as sweet as his name! This energetic boy is ready to run, hike, and play. Bubble Yum is good on a leash, doesn’t jump up, and does well around cats and other dogs. He is ready to find his forever home! Leo is a 7-year- old Lab mix. This older boy deserves a good, loving home. He loves to be with people and will try to climb right in your lap. He ignores cats but can be dog-selective. Leo is learning some manners but is eager to please! Sweet Potato Sweet Potato is a playful and adorable Lab mix lady who is about a year old. She is a fun-loving dog with great manners and lots of energy. She would be a great family companion and gets along well with other dogs. She may even do well with the family cat! Yookie Ann Sue Siren Patrick Parade Siren is a gorgeous cat who will lure you in with her beautiful black coat and lovely gold eyes. Unlike her namesake, though, she is sweet and friendly, and she only wants your love! She’s a 6year-old Domestic Shorthair who is sure to be a wonderful pet for years to come! Well, hello, handsome! This is Patrick, a 3-year-old orange tabby who loves to be loved! He’s an outgoing and social guy who enjoys snuggling, playing with fun toys, and indulging in yummy treats. Patrick does well with other kitty friends and adores people! Parade is a 1-year-old Domestic Shorthair with a unique patch tabby coat. She’s a snuggly sweetheart who gets along well with other cats and loves people. Parade isn’t shy and will jump up into your lap asking for snuggles and love! She’s a fun-loving girl who deserves a great home! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Nuzzles & Co. Nuzzles & Co. is looking for volunteers to help furry friends waiting for adoption. This local nonprofit needs people to walk dogs, socialize with the animals, and assist with pet care and cleanup. Shifts are available at the Tanger Outlets adoption center from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at the Rescue & Rehab Ranch from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Nuzzles & Co. at 649-5441 or visit nuzzlesandco.org. 435-645-7139 www.marketatparkcity.com Please look for our insert in today’s paper! 1990 2018 OFFICE SPACE For Lease OFFICE SPACE For Lease OFFICE SPACE 2210 South on Highway 40 Suite C, Heber City, UT. OFFICE SPACE For Lease 2210 South on Highway 40 Suite C, Heber City, UT. 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Tren Grant 801-560-2789 We can lease all or part, individual offices. Please call for more information Please for more information Trencall Grant 801-560-2789 Tren Grant 801-560-2789 Yookie Ann Sue is a quiet and gentle Lynx Point Siamese mix. She’s about 7 years old, and she is looking for a home with a warm bed and lots of attention. Yookie will be a wonderful companion for years to come! National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 27. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit: SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed, Mondays-Saturdays. Email volunteer@discovernac.org to get started. Introducing... Park City Medical Center Park City Medical Center needs volunteers 14 to 114 years old who want to work in a welcoming environment, stay busy with a variety of tasks, and have fun on the job. If you’d like to put your talents and skills to good use and help out a valuable community resource, please contact the volunteer manager at lisa.graham@ imail.org. Park City Museum Do you love history and Park City? Are you interested in furthering your involvement in the community? The Park City Museum needs volunteers to help install and take down traveling exhibits, catalog and process collection items, assist in the Research Library, lead both adult tours and school group programs, and assist as gallery guides. Please contact Jenette Purdy at the Park City Museum for more information: 435-649-7457 or education@parkcityhistory.org. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers |