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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 …

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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 …

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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(Chapters 1-6 can be found HERE) The Crossing In his novel, The Crossing, Cormac McCarthy describes a scene where the two boys, having just crossed the border into Mexico, come into the company of an old man and ask him directions to the ranch of which they seek. The old man proceeded to sketch in the dust streams and promontories and pueblos and mountain ranges. He commenced to draw trees and houses. Clouds. A bird. He penciled in the horsemen themselves doubled upon their mount. Billy leaned forward from time to time to question the measure of some part of their route …