With the world gone crazy and the US in a state of panic, I thought it would be nice to share some lines from last season and the making of my most recent book MakingTurns in Colorado, Volume 1: The North. Shipping on all of our titles is now just a penny.
Last season had some of the craziest snow and the craziest slide I’ve ever seen. I’d like to give a big shout out to Aaron Comess, Rapidgrass and Pretty Lights for contributing music. Support them if you are able. The show that I did around the state had lots of fun raffles to support Backcountry Babes, Summit and El Paso County SARs, Friends of Berthoud Pass and Friends of the San Juans. It was a blast hanging out with everyone and sharing the stoke for the backcountry. Major thanks to my sponsors, Weston, Zeal, Dynafit, Big Agnes, Backcountry Access, Scarpa, Colorado Mountain School, and Discrete for contributing such great prizes. And to all the retailers that hosted shows another big thank you.
So while you’re partaking in your quarantine enjoy some stoke and read up on routes and avalanche decision making. I love Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper.
The state hasn’t closed the backcountry yet, but they might if people push it, like the kids that tested positive from Australia in Snowmass or the mayhem from Loveland Pass this past weekend. So, if you feel sick or outside of your normal, stay home and don’t risk recreating outside, the risk is to others as well. Give everyone extra space and stay in your county as per local guidance. Some counties are currently closed altogether.
With nowhere to ski, the backcountry becomes the only place for people to recreate and escape the confines of self-imposed isolation. Backcountry is defined as terrain lacking avalanche control and medical infrastructure; everywhere is now backcountry. Expect trailheads to see increased use and potential parking issues; it would suck to get towed while you are outside playing. However asymptomatic carriers are considered super spreaders. Tour from your house, or carpool with those you are sheltering with already, and keep your group size to a minimum.
Backcountry travelers should travel in groups, with each member carrying avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, rescue gear they should know how to use, especially when recreating near, on or under avalanche terrain, which usually initiates on slopes from 30-50 degrees. Avalanche terrain includes the whole track or path the avalanche may travel, including the lower angled slopes below those steep areas.
If you are new to the backcountry just avoid avalanche terrain and enjoy the snow. Go with someone experienced or hire a guide if you can. Look online at maps and Google Earth and in guidebooks to formulate a plan for how you will use the backcountry and tell someone off the mountain what your plan is, letting them know when you return as well, so Search And Rescue (SAR) doesn’t get activated. Bring a map and compass to find your way home, in case the battery fails on your phone. Know where you are at all times. Bring warm clothes, a headlamp, and enough food and water in the event your plan goes sideways. Weather can change rapidly so check the NOAA forecast and use the point reference to get as close to your planned location. You are responsible for yourself and your group’s decisions and actions.
One of our greatest resources for backcountry planning is the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Utilize the tools they provide and if you don’t know, don’t go. Be sure to look beyond just the hazard rating and check out the details of the forecast as well as the avalanche problems. They lost all of their spring events so consider a donation to Friends of CAIC, if you are going to use the forecast and have the financial means. CAIC and Utah Avalanche Center put together the Know Before You Go video presentation to help bring awareness to the risks avalanches pose. This is a beautiful video that everyone should check out. This is also a great time to read a book, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper is the best look into the hazards of avalanche terrain.
When encountering other groups in the backcountry, communicate, at a distance greater than a ski length. It’s important for everyone on the mountain to know where other groups may be. If two groups are dropping into the same line, form a plan together for how you’re going to separate and communicate for the descent. Communicate with your group, closing the loop, by repeating what your party members say. This is not a place for misunderstanding. Radios can improve communication. In the field don’t be afraid to back off if it doesn’t feel right or the conditions have changed. Just because we are fearful doesn’t mean we should let our travel protocols down.
With hospital beds sure to be in short supply, this is not a time to push your comfort levels or the envelope. SAR resources may be in short supply and response times may be much longer than expected, police have already stated they intend to minimize public contacts. Putting yourself at risk may increase the risk of others that come to save you. Going to hospital may increase your risk and take the bed of another. Dial it back.
Heavy exercise can produce cold-like and coronavirus-like symptoms including, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, phlegm, runny nose, sweating and sunburn can feel like fever. Consider this before going to get tested at the hospital, immediately after a tour. Health resources are being taxed heavily at the moment.
Your freedom is limited by how it affects the freedom of others, and this includes their health. The best tool we have is our brains, let’s use them. The backcountry is a dangerous place, what we don’t know can kill us just as dead as what we do know. Understand the risks you accept when venturing beyond the boundaries of control.
Try and stay in your own local zone, minimizing travel and resources and keeping the virus contained. You may have it and not be experiencing any symptoms. Stay as local as you can to help reduce the spread.
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