
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Early March Update: AK

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Reflections on Recent Avalanche Incidents
Second, these are my thoughts and are not directed at any particular incident or person. Rather my commentary focuses on the response of the skiing community and how we can better ourselves in the backcountry.
Third, these thoughts are not ground breaking and you may be way ahead of me in this journey, but if it can help one person, I don’t mind insulting the intelligence of the masses.
After every incident everyone wants to know why. There is a vacuum of information that is quickly filled by conjecture, mistruths, poor assumptions, and occasionally accuracies. Avi reports are dissected, weather station data is downloaded, data pits within 250 miles of the incident are analyzed, and judgment is passed. All of the data (real, assumed, and inaccurate) is laid out in front of the user in black and white without emotion. It becomes an Avi 101 case study where the answer is already known. Knowing the outcome will influence how you interpret the data.
Making a hypothetical decision when you know the outcome is easy. The data will miraculously and unambiguously “fit” the foregone conclusion. A logical path to the inevitable is laid out right in front of you. People are quick to judge and flaunt their “superior” avi savvy and decision making skills. In their mind there is no way they could have made the same mistake. Well, I say fuck these people.
Standing atop a slope, you are not dealing with a textbook problem. You are in a dynamic situation. Recent deaths have highlighted the fact the back country incidents aren’t just for the uninformed. Well educated, strong ski mountaineers (real mountaineers, not a “Sugarhouser” ski mountaineer) with 1,000 days in the backcountry are falling. All of these folks could have read the “after incident report” and come to the logical conclusion for 2 reasons:
1. They have clear understanding of Avy 101 concepts
2. The reports are written as morality plays with clear causes and effects emphasized for
clarity.
In the days after an incident from the safety of a warm cube, office, couch and with the luxury of unambiguous data that fits the conclusion of the incident, people judge and take cheap shots and belittle our friends and family unjustly.
“They shouldn’t have gone.” Well, no shit Sherlock. Thanks for your insightful thoughts, Einstein. Now, go fist yourself.
We are asking the wrong questions. People are focusing on weather, terrain, and snowpack: Avi 101 stuff. These are topics our fallen brothers know inside and out. Yet this often is the focus of the discussions. Yes, these topics are important and are the basis for a strong foundation, but if the discussion solely focuses on the black and white basics, an opportunity for growth will be lost.
Back in December, I went for a ride in an avalanche. I swam and came to stop on top, breathed a sigh of relief, and then got hit by a second wave. Fortunately, I remained on top. It shook me up and it was embarrassing, but a good friend encouraged me to analyze the incident so others could learn. I focused on the Avi 101 problems that we all know inside and out.
This was the wrong approach. We need to start focusing on:
· Why did I think I could out manage the risk?
The human brain is hard-wired after millennia of evolution to make poor decisions in the back country. Social moors impact more than they should. Herding, barn syndrome, trusting the leader, safety in numbers are all traits that have helped humans survive in a cruel world, but work against us in the backcountry.
Two excellent papers:
(click to read)
Human Factor
Heuristic Traps
So the next time you are trying to understand an incident don’t focus what is already well understood (Avi 101). Devote your efforts to understanding why an intelligent, rational, thoughtful individual chose to drop in. Put yourself in their shoes on top of a mountain with trusted friends, laughing, living, smiling. Take it all in. The warmth of the sun, the cool of the breeze, the promise of powder, the joy of the mountains, the freedom, the anticipation, the excitement, the anxiety, the stoke. Then ask: What would I do? It’s not nearly as easy as working out an Avi 101 black and white story problem in front of a glowing monitor.
This sport is complex and the human brain can be your greatest ally as well as your greatest nemesis. After every successful tour, reflect on where your brain helped you and where it worked against you.
· How was my snow pack analysis?
· Why didn’t I stop in a “safer” location?
· How was the spacing on the ski itself?
· Was I too close the person skinning ahead of me for ease of conversation?
· Why did I drop in before my partner finished buckling his boots?
· What were the red flags and were they given enough emphasis?
· Should we have skied that?
· And on and on
This sport will give you positive feedback for poor decision 99 out of 100 times. This is not a healthy feedback loop.
Congratulate your successes; learn from your miscues. Discuss with your touring partners strategies for improvement. Reflect on what you could have done better and the next time: Be better!!!
We’re not the type of people that can stay on 30° slopes our whole lives. We will ski terrain that has the potential for consequence. But it has to be the right day. Remember the Avi 101, but also remember your personal shortcomings. Take 10 extra seconds to ponder the possibility that your brain is not working in your best interest.
Again, this is not meant as a criticism of the fallen, but as hope for the living. We all have to be better. I can’t take much more of this shit.
- U.K.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Late February Update: AK
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Skiing and Biking
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Early February Update
Friday, February 3, 2012
Seward Highway Couloir: January 26
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Late January Update: Alaska
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tincan North
Gremmie & McK
Gremmie at the Revelstoke Agressive Ski Ballet: first clip
McK's wonderful writing.
Gremmie's 6-month recap:
And finally some much needed prespective and good advice.
Have fun, stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you all out there.
-U.K.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Relative Humidity, Dew Point, Storms, and Avalanches
Unfortunately, I've been shame spiraling pretty hard the last 2 weeks soloing to low angle powder and wooded terrain. Fortunately the fresh cold air and bright sunshine has been exactly what I needed: peaceful, serene, with plenty of time for reflection.
My thoughts drift to recent events and events long ago. I smile, I laugh, I tear up. But being an engineer, thoughts eventually turn to more practical matters like: "Why is cold air so dry even when the humidity is 90%?" Well, it turns out that "relative humidity" is a very poor indication of how much moisture is in the air.
Relative humidity is in most every weather observation, but it can be very confusing. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. Here is the maximum amount of water that air can hold at different temperatures:
- -4°F 0.9 g/m³ (100% relative humidity)
- 14°F 2.1 g/m³ (100% relative humidity)
- 32°F 4.8 g/m³ (100% relative humidity)
- 68°F 17.3 g/m³ (100% relative humidity)
Now, I'm not exactly sure what the Hell g/m³ means, but the warm air can hold more of 'em. This is why you want storms to come in at 32°F versus -4°F. 32° air can hold 5x more moisture which means higher snowfall. Snow at 0° in the forecast does not get me excited.
OK, we realize that "Relative Humidity" has its limits, but fear not, "Dew Point" will help. Dew Point is another number that is in most weather observations. When Dew Point equals the current temperature water will "come out" of the air in the form of rain, snow, frost, or dew.
Dew Point is a much better indicator of air moisture. Say Dew Point = 14°F. No matter what the temperature the air will contain 2.1 g/m³ of moisture. At 6PM the temp is 30°F, frost will not form until the temp = dew point (in this case 14°F).
Example:
- Right now in Anchorage it is -12°F with 73% relative humidity. You may think 73% would mean moist air, but since it is so cold, the air can hold very little moisture. The dew point is -18°F. So even though the RH is high, moisture in the air is very low. If for some reason the temp dropped to -18, then frost would start to form.
Now you may be wondering how this applies to avalanches. Frost = Surface Hoar. Surface Hoar is a familiar term to those who read the daily avalanche bulletin. A detailed description of the how's and why's is given here. I'll try to give you the quick and dirty version.
Surface hoar forms on cold, clear nights on top of the snow. And now you can predict on which nights it is likely to form based on overnight lows and the dew point. Good job!
Hoar frost is not dangerous by itself and is fun to ski, but it becomes very dangerous when snow falls on top of it. Buried hoar frost is no joke and may take until April to heal. This may be the case in Utah this year (along with a multitude of other problems).
So when you are out enjoying those low avalanche blue bird days in the back country, take note of the surface hoar that exists on top of the snow. Stop on the skinner and scoop up some surface snow and look for the signs. Listen as you ski, surface hoar makes a unique "shattering" sound as you float effortless turns through the "potato chips."
Remember surface hoar on the surface is not a big deal, but once it gets buried then it will be an issue. If you know that there is buried surface hoar (from pre-storm tours, avi bulletins, friends that were out yesterday) it is your job is to find it and interrogate it. When you dig a pit, target that buried surface hoar. Again here is the link for more detailed info.
Have fun. Sorry for the "geeked out" rant. I promise photos next time!
-U.K.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Central Utah: March 11-12, 2005
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Mr. Lawton
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Eddies: December 31, 2011

Monday, January 2, 2012
Brand New Day
The Lizard and I decided to ring in this new beginning to the Gregorian Calendar with a trip to the Wasatch's 5th tallest peak, the Pfeifferhorn. With conditions as they are and our intentions being mainly a trip to enjoy the view and assess the snow pack or lack there of, we decided against bringing a rope or anything that might encourage us to get all gnar.
The views from the summit were beautiful as always. The normally inversion-clouded valley of SLC lay at our feet where we could just make out the collective groan of "national hangover day". Both the NE and NW couloirs were looking a little thin, although the NW was holding snow farther down that could probably be reached with one rap.
Some good turns were had descending back to Red Pine Lakes, all in all a great day. Breaking out of the repetitive "this season sucks" - "we need more snow" mantra felt great, just being in the alpine was rejuvenating. Climbing (and skiing) on ice has been good, but despite popular belief we do have some snow to slide around on. WTF, throw caution to the wind, go for it. I for one am tired of blowing on a cat's ass and hoping for snow. Besides, soon enough we'll be too puckered to get out on top of this snow pack.
So enjoy it boyz! We here up at 9240' are being patient and sharpening our beater slalom skills. The new crop of kids at Alf's, or as I like to think of it, the Skier Boyz factory, is chomping at the bit to shred. Keep praying, but in the meantime send it.
Burleighman
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Get out of that Inversion/Smog
With these low clouds and moisture in the air we have been getting rime snow.
You can see here in these photos that there is some snow falling at our house.
I would normally think it's been snowing in the mountains.
The visibility in the city is about a mile and makes me feel a bit sick.
As we start our drive up Wasatch it still looks like it's going to be socked in up there.
Thanks to Snowbird, Alta, and mother Earth for making this possible.
http://www.snowbird.com/ http://www.alta.com/
Peace, Crossman.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Superstition
- How does drinking to excess bring about a low pressure?
- How does burning your trash (unusable skis) bring storms?
- Why do prayer candles work for powder but are useless for Africa?
- Just who the hell is this ULLR character?
Ah, Ye Olde Norse God of snowlerblades and bow hunting. Does this warrior / hunter control high alpine weather? Does he favor the deep? His reverse camber skis say yes although he is a bit aggressive on his forward mount.
The Noodler claims not to be superstitious, but before every run he has to taste the snow for good luck. And on not so rare occasions he will recite the "Eddie's Prayer" before dropping in.
Powerful infant grant me the grace of eternity with Eddie's
Amen.
Back in October I got my toenails did to rile the mighty Pacific Ocean. And it snowed and snowed and snowed. Emboldened by my dominance over nature, I went for round 2 in early December. The snow has continued. Have my actions influenced weather patterns? It can't be proven, but I guarantee I will have glittery toes until May.

In extreme cases of low snow and high pressure and split streams and cloud storms your only option is the exorcism. In this case you need to find the person who has been possessed by the snow demon. This person will be unaware that they have been possessed, but it your job to find this person and convince them of their affliction.
ID'ing the subject is not difficult if you know the signs. This person will have suffered poor snow years for multiple seasons in multiple mountain areas. Back in 2001, Young Nelson fit this profile: poor snow years in Alta, Jackson, and New Zealand. The Big Blue H followed him around the globe in an obvious reference to the Ancient Mariner's albatross. Season upon season of strife and '01-'02 was looking rough. You could still bike to 9,500' at Alta on Thanksgiving Day. We explained the situation to Young Nelson and he agreed that action was necessary.
Dozens gathered for the ceremony which could have been mistaken for a ski-bum house party. But there was a sinister motive lurking beneath. All in attendance knew the goal and in the absence of sacred texts detailing the ritual; we were forced to improvise. Surely the demon must abhor alcohol. So Young Nelson was forced to drink. The demon took over tried to weasel his way out of the situation. Young Nelson made for the window, but the strong hands of desperate skiers wrested him back in. The epic struggle had reached a tipping point and the demon succumbed to the inevitable. The booze flowed deep into Young Nelson's gullet and the demon wanted out. They stumbled out the front door into suburban Mormon nightmare and the demon fled from Young Nelson's poisoned belly and was deposited unceremoniously onto our lawn into a puddle of alcohol and bile.
Within moments, the first flakes of the 100" storm began to fall. The demon was vanquished. The season was saved.
Pagans and Christians unite! Exorcise the demons! Sacrifice the skis to into raging pyre that will nip at the asses of the Nordic gods! Drink it deep! Prayer to the infant Jesus! Eat the snow! Paint the talons of savage nomads who wonder the Earth in the search of snow! Take action! Do not sit idly by and wait for science to save you! The future rests in your hands! I call to you, brothers and sisters, take arms and we shall all rejoice in the glory that we have surely earned!
- Father Merrin