In the last week, four backcountry users died in avalanches over a two-day window.
On December 18th a 41-year-old snowmobiler was buried in Wyomings Salt River Range.
He was skiing solo and another party saw the slide debris and recovered his body.
They were reported missing that night, and Search and Rescue recovered their bodies the next day.
Our sincere condolences go out to all the friends, family, and partners of these victims.
Information about all North American avalanche fatalities can be foundon this page.
But so far, that hasnt really been the case, and statistically, it never really has been.
She wryly invited anyone who wanted to play those odds to walk out the door.
No one did, because we all understood the difference between correlation and causation.
The whole studyis available hereand is absolutely worth a read or three.
Theres been plenty of hand wringing about all these inexperienced new backcountry users.
And thats sort of to be expected.
“Experts” putting down beginners also artificially inflates their perception of their own abilities.
The slope doesnt care what level of education you have.
If its going to move, its going to move.
Everyones definition of expert is different.
Thats why I appreciate the more precise languageour avy center uses.
Cautious route-finding and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
or Monitor temperatures, make conservative terrain choices and be wary of rain on snow events.
Those are all actionable items that dont depend on your own perception of your experience level.
And thats how avalanche safety works.
The wrong decision is the wrong decision no matter how many books youve read.
The same goes for fatal decisions.
Your level of experience alone doesnt dictate anything, its the decisions you make that do.
So far I have had two takeaways from the combination of this seasons avalanche events, and that study.
The first one is obvious: Dont talk shit and internet quarterback every avalanche fatality.
Its a useless exercise in hypothetically infallible self-endorsement.
Theres an opportunity for growth here, but only if you enter it with a growth mindset.
Ive seen it happen already this season to myself.
In an effort to avoid the crowds Im taking more risks and looking at more complicated objectives.
And I dont think Im alone in that.
Thats a worrisome trend.
All of these factors forced me to reexamine the processes going into my own decision making.
Its easy to pound away at the keyboard, proclaiming that everyone needs an avy class ASAP.
And I agree, get educated.
The only thing you could truly control in the mountains is whether you go into them.
