Snow and Avalanches in Utah 

Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center 

In partnership with: 

 

Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation 

Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center 

National Weather Service 

Utah Department of Public Safety 

Salt Lake County 

Annual Report 2008-2009 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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Cover photo: Evanston District Ranger Rick Schuler stands next to the deepest part of an avalanche that 

killed a 15 year old young man from Evanston, Wyoming. 

 

All photos in this report are taken by the staff of the Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center unless otherwise noted. Compiled and Edited by Bruce Tremper, Craig Gordon and Brett Kobernik 

All content written by Utah Avalanche Center Staff: Bruce Tremper, Evelyn Lees, Drew Hardesty, 

Brett Kobernik, Craig Gordon, Toby Weed, Dave Madera and Grant Helgeson. Copies of this report 

can be obtained by writing, calling or e-mailing: 

 

Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center 

2242 W. North Temple 

Salt Lake City, UT 84116 

801-524-5304 phone 

801-524-6301 fax 

Or view online at: uac@avalanche.org 

www.avalanche.org and click on Salt Lake 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

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Table of Contents 

 

 

 

Overview—Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center ......................................... 3 

Season Highlights ................................................................................. 9 

Wasatch Season Summary .......................................................................... 13 

Uinta Season Summary.............................................................................. 24 

Logan Season Summary............................................................................. 34 

Manti-Skyline Season Summary ................................................................... 35 

La Sal Season Summary ............................................................................. 38 

Outreach and Education ............................................................................ 43 

Avalanche Accidents and Statistics .............................................................. 54 

Use and Need by Region ........................................................................ 65 

Budget ................................................................................................ 69 

Partnerships and Sponsors ........................................................................ 72 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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The Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center—An Overview 

Our goal: 

Help keep people on top of the Greatest Snow on Earth instead of buried beneath it. 

 

Where do avalanche accidents occur? 

Ninety nine percent of all avalanche fatalities occur in the backcountry—areas outside of ski area 

boundaries where no avalanche control is done. Ski areas and highway avalanche control crews routinely knock down avalanches with explosives before the public arrive each morning. They have done 

their jobs so well that since 1980, less than one percent of avalanche fatalities have involved general 

public on open runs at ski areas or on open highways. 

 

What kind of people get caught in avalanches? 

Ninety two percent of people killed in avalanches since 1985 have been recreationists, and they are 

almost always very skilled in their sport. In almost all cases their skill in their sport significantly outpaces their avalanche skills. Looking at the most recent 10 years of national data, snowmobilers lead 

the list followed by backcountry skiers, snowboarders, climbers and miscellaneous recreationists such 

as hikers and snowshoers. 

 

How do people get caught? 

In 93 percent of avalanche fatalities, the avalanche was triggered by the victim or someone in the victim’s party. Which is actually good, because most of the time, we can avoid avalanche accidents 

through our route finding and snow stability decisions. 

 

In summary, avalanche fatalities occur almost exclusively in the backcountry, almost always involve recreationists, and almost all avalanche incidents can be avoided if we choose. 

 

We give backcountry travelers the weapon of knowledge. In order to avoid triggering avalanches, 

backcountry travelers need: 

 

Critical, up-to-date avalanche information. 

Our avalanche advisories give the public critical avalanche information they need to make their life-anddeath decisions in avalanche terrain and we forecast snow stability and weather trends into the future. 

Our information helps the public to decide what kind of terrain is safe, what kind is dangerous and we 

give them useful clues to look for when they venture into avalanche terrain. 

 

 The public can access these advisories in the following ways: 

• The Internet 

• Recorded telephone message updated each day 
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• Live interviews each day on three different public radio stations 

• E-Mail 

• Pod casts 

• In times of extreme or unusual avalanche conditions, we issue an avalanche warning that reaches 

all the broadcast and print media as well as NOAA weather radio. 

 

Finally, we “preach the avalanche gospel” as much as possible to the local, national and international 

media. The Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center staff has been featured on dozens of national and 

international documentaries about avalanches and they regularly appear on the national television 

news. 

 

Avalanche Education: 

The UAC staff teaches about 30 free, basic avalanche awareness classes each season and the Know 

Before You Go program teaches 120 classes and reach over 22,000 people per year. These not only 

give the public an overview of the avalanche problem, but also some basic avalanche skills. These 

classes encourage the public to take a more involved avalanche class offered by the private sector. 

 

Our web site is our newest focus on avalanche education. The very popular encyclopedia which explains many terms used in backcountry travel using photos, diagrams and innovative flash animations. 

Using web photo galleries with captions explaining different aspects and routines in simple terms is a 

very effective way in teaching inexperienced backcountry users. We are also providing more detailed 

information for advanced users in the form of snowpit diagrams and seasonal weather history charts. 

 

How We Help Solve the Problem: 

 

Just because people read or hear the information doesn’t mean they pay attention. Therefore, we try 

to make the advisories entertaining so that people will remember what they read and hear and enjoy 

the experience enough to use the advisories regularly. We try and use all the standard tools of effective writing and speaking such as using active voice, first person, personal examples and stories to illustrate points, humor where appropriate and reading the bulletins in a natural voice, like talking to a 

friend. The recorded bulletins are informal, chatty and funny, yet informative. The Internet-based 

products are graphically-based and easy to understand. The advisories are extremely popular with 

about 2.5 million page view on our web site. 

 

We believe local forecasters do a much better job than distant forecasters. 

Local people know local conditions better. They can get out in the mountains every day, they see 

weather and snow out their window and they talk with people on the street about it. Because of this, 

we believe that local people should issue avalanche bulletins for local areas, as long as they have the 

avalanche skills to do so. For this reason, five crews of avalanche forecasters operate in Utah, one 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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forecaster operates in Logan, four in Salt Lake City, one in the western Uinta Mountains, one in Moab 

and one in the Manti Skyline. 

 

We believe in a strong field-based program. 

Avalanche forecasting is both a science and an art. Because of this, computers never have, and most 

likely never will, be able to forecast avalanche hazard as well as an experienced and skilled human being. Avalanche forecasting works best when the forecaster has an intimate, daily connection to the 

snowpack. We notice that the longer we spend in an office, the more out of touch with the snowpack 

we become. Therefore we always put in one or more field days before our forecasting shift, and we 

seldom have more than two forecast days in a row. 

 

This is our philosophy and it seems to be working. More people access the UAC bulletin each season 

than any other avalanche advisory in North America, and the number keep increasing by an average of 

20 percent per year. The numbers of people going into the backcountry keep increasing exponentially, 

yet the death rate has risen more slowly. We also see an increasing demand for avalanche education 

and information, not only by Utahans, but also by the national and international media. 

 

We are very passionate about our work because it’s more than a job, it saves lives. 

Craig Gordon passionately 

“preaching the avalanche gospel”, 

describing how people trigger avalanches. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

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A Look Under the Hood 

The UAC is operationally separated into five entities: 

 

The Logan area Mountains (Wellsville and Bear River Ranges). 

Wasatch Mountains (Ogden, Salt Lake, Park City and Provo area mountains) 

Western Uinta Mountains (Mirror Lake Highway, Weber Canyon, Evanston WY, Daniel’s Summit) 

Manti Skyline (Fairview Canyon – Wasatch Plateau) 

La Sal Mountains (near Moab) 

 

Toby Weed staffs the Logan operation. A generous contribution from the Utah State Parks funds this 

position. 

 

Based in Moab, Dave Medara forecast for the nearby La Sal Mountains. The Moab office is located in 

the Moab Ranger District on the Manti-La Sal National Forest and is supported by both the Moab 

Ranger district and a generous contribution from Utah State Parks. 

 

Grant Helgeson was hired by the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center this season to assist with avalanche education, grant writing and to cover the Manti-Skyline forecast program. 

 

Craig Gordon issues forecasts for the western Uinta Mountains, does the lion’s share of avalanche education for snowmobilers in northern Utah and runs the Know Before You Go education program. 

This position is supported by a generous contribution from Utah State Parks. 

 

Last, but not least, the vast majority of the backcountry use occurs in the Wasatch Range of northern 

Utah. A staff of four full time workers covers the Ogden, Salt Lake City, Park City and Provo area 

mountains—arguably the most heavily used mountain range in the U.S. Bruce Tremper, in his 24st 

season, is the Director. The rest of the very experienced Salt Lake staff include: Evelyn Lees, Drew 

Hardesty and Brett Kobernik. All are Forest Service employees under the Wasatch-Cache National 

Forest. The Salt Lake office is co-located with the National Weather Service at the Salt Lake International Airport. 

 

Finally, a private, nonprofit group, the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, contracts a number of 

“volunteer” observers, who receive $10 per day for taking the extra time to call or e-mail their observations after they return home at the end of an outing. 

 

The Utah Avalanche Center is a Forest Service program under the Wasatch-Cache National Forest 

and the Manti-La Sal National Forest, in partnership with Utah State Parks and Recreation, Utah State 

University, the State of Utah Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, Salt 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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Lake County, the National Weather Service and private contributions through the Friends of the Utah 

Avalanche Forecast Center. 

 

The public can access the bulletins in the following ways: 

Telephone: 

All Areas (courtesy of Backcountry.com) (888) 999-4019 

Manti Skyline (courtesy of Utah State Parks) (800) 648-7433 

Snowmobile hotline (courtesy of Utah State Parks) (800) 648-7433 

 

Radio Stations - live on-air reports each morning 

KRCL 91 FM (7:50 am weekdays) 

KPCW 92 FM ((8:06 am weekdays) 

All other radio stations via both long and short podcasts. 

Internet: 

www.utahavalanchecenter.org (Friends of Utah Avalanche Center) 

www.wrh.noaa.gov/Saltlake (National Weather Service) 

 

E-mail: 

We offer daily automated e-mail of the advisories free of charge. About 2,000 e-mails are sent each 

day. 

 

 To contact our office: 

(801) 524-5304 (phone) 

(801) 524-4030 (fax) 

e-mail: uac@avalanche.org 

 

How We Generate Avalanche Advisories 

We split our time more or less equally between the mountains and the office. For the Wasatch Range, 

a staff of four people rotate through the office in which one person comes in at 4:00 am to issue the 

forecast for the day while the others either head into the mountains to look at avalanche conditions, 

teach avalanche classes or come into the office at a more reasonable hour to work on various computer or education projects. 

 

Field Day: 

A typical field day might begin at 6:00 in the morning. Like most avalanche professionals, we fire up 

our home computer to look at the data from all the automated mountain weather stations. Like everyone else, we call our own avalanche advisory to get the latest information. Finally, after call- 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

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ing the forecaster for the day to check out, we jump in the car or on the bus and head for the mountains. 

 

The forecaster in the field usually travels on skis or snowmobile or both, using all the usual safety 

equipment like electronic avalanche beacons, shovels, probes, belay rope and cell phones. We seldom 

have a regular patrol area, but simply go to the area that concerns us the most, or to a place that we 

know is representative, where we can safely look at snow on a variety of aspects, elevations and terrain types. We almost always go into the backcountry—meaning areas outside ski area boundaries 

where no avalanche control is done. Field days are often very labor intensive affairs, using climbing 

skins on skis to huff-and-puff to the top of a mountain, take off the skins, ski down into another valley, 

put the skins back on again, go to another ridge, and so on. Along the way we dig a number of “snow 

profiles” in which we systematically test the stability of the snowpack. In more remote areas, we use 

snowmobiles to access avalanche terrain. 

 

Field information comes from many different sources, but the most powerful information usually 

comes from snow profiles we dig on a variety of different slopes, or better yet, from profiles dug at the 

fracture lines of recent avalanches. A snow profile, is simply a hole dug in the snow about a 5 feet 

deep and 5 feet wide. On a smoothed snow pit wall, we perform a variety of stress tests to determine 

the stability of the snowpack and document the shear properties of weak layers. We also look at the 

crystallography of the various layers—crystal type, size, strength, water content and density, as well as 

measure temperature profile. Practiced avalanche professional usually take about 15 minutes for each 

snow pit. We would rather dig several quick pits in several areas than do one detailed pit in one specific area because we want to know the distribution of the pattern so we can communicate the pattern 

to the public. 

 

We also test the stability of the snow in other ways, such as sawing off cornices, which bounce down 

the slope, we keep close track of the pattern of recent avalanches and we always pay very close attention to the present snow surface because it's much easier to map a layer of snow when it's still on the 

surface then after it's buried by the next storm. Finally, when we get home, we write up our observation, graph the snow pit profiles and e-mail them to the avalanche center and also email or leave a detailed message on our answer machine in the office, which the forecaster will hear early the next 

morning. Often, we post photos of the day on our web site as well. Finally, each evening, we often call 

the person who will forecast the next day and talk to them in more detail, catch up on news of the day 

and bounce theories off each other. Many of the days end up being long, often racking up plenty of 

comp time. 

 

It takes years of experience and training to be an accomplished avalanche forecaster, not to mention to 

be able to do it safely. Most of our staff have degrees in some kind of physical science such as meteorology or geology. We also have a number of years experience doing avalanche control at ski areas. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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plus, all are accomplished mountaineers with many decades of accumulated mountain experience and 

several are veterans of mountaineering expeditions throughout the world including Nepal, South 

America and Alaska. Finally, we all stay in top physical condition so we can efficiently cover lots of terrain. 

 

Office: 

The forecaster for the day usually rises at 3:00 am—earlier on storm days—and arrives at our office, 

co-located with the National Weather Service near the Salt Lake Airport, around 4:00 am. There's 

only one avalanche person in the office, so the pressure and time constraints are intense. 

 

First, the lead weather forecaster for the National Weather Service briefs us on the general weather 

setup and then it’s time to jump on the National Weather Service computers and give the weather an 

even more detailed look, so it can be adapted to specific mountain areas. Then, we check our answer 

machines, faxes and e-mails for field observations not only from our staff, but from a dedicated corps 

of volunteer observers, ski areas, helicopter skiing companies and highway control programs. Next, 

the forecaster has to face a blank computer screen and type up a detailed narrative of snow stability 

and mountain weather and customize the advisory for five different zones in northern Utah. After the 

advisory goes out via e-mail and on the Internet, we begin recording the advisories into six different 

telephone systems, each located in a different local calling area for northern Utah and each one customized for a different area. Finally, we, do three live radio interviews. By 8:15 am, we’re done and 

we collapse with relief, take that bathroom break we've needed for the last couple hours and take a 

walk outside and watch the sun rise and hope that our information is accurate. Thousands of people 

access the advisory over the Internet, even more hear it on the radio and an average of 230 people call 

the avalanche recording each day. 

 

Then, just when many people are eating their breakfast, we eat lunch. After lunch—or is it breakfast—there’s never a lack of telephone calls to answer, reports to write, spreadsheets and web sites to 

update, computer projects and media contacts. Finally, we issue the detailed mountain weather forecast by about noon, then head home by 1:00 pm. 

 

Finally, several forecasters operate in the more rural areas (which are becoming increasingly busy each 

year) in Logan, the western Uinta Mountains, the Manti Skyline and in Moab. Since they operate alone, 

they often put out the advisory early in the morning, then do field work for the rest of the day and 

sometimes teach a class that evening, making for a sometimes harried schedule. 
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Season Highlights 

 

• We suffered four avalanche fatalities – our running 10 year average. One in-bounds skier at Snowbird resort, two snowmobilers in Logan and one snowmobiler in the western Uinta Mountains. 

Early season deep slab instability kept us walking on eggshells through the middle of January. We 

heard reports of 80 unintentional, human triggered avalanches in the backcountry, of those, 32 

were caught, 26 were carried in the avalanche, 6 were injured, 14 were at least partially buried and 

four killed. 

 

• Despite a thin and weak early season snowpack, when the winter finally kicked in, Alta piled up 

over 700” of snow for the second year in a row, which is 200” over their yearly average. 

 

• Craig Gordon, with help from Grant Helgeson, continued to run our famous Know Before You Go 

(KBYG) program, which reached several significant milestones this year. It’s now been seen by 

over 100,000 Utah teens. Not one Utah teen attending a KBYG presentation has been killed in an 

avalanche. This year the Utah Board of Education included KBYG in the Health One Core Curriculum, a class taught primarily in the 7th grade. Recco and Backcountry Access came on board to 

help us with our message. 

 

• We dodged a bullet from a $50,000 budget shortfall through a unique partnership with many of the 

ski area resorts, facilitated by Ski Utah and Backcountry.com. Modeled on a successful program at 

the Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee, ski areas donated lift tickets to our 501c3 non-profit, 

Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, that then were sold on-line at a discount to the public. The 

ski areas received increased awareness as supporters of the UAC, pro-bono avalanche education 

and support as well as a tax break. The lift ticket initiative generated just over $38,000. In addition, 

extra funds from the Friends of the UAC along with funds from the Forest Service Recreation Fee 

program and springtime funding from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, we were able to 

make ends meet and avert a potential funding crisis. In the spirit of a true partnership, we’re looking forward to continued support for the upcoming season. 

 

• We taught Level 2 avalanche courses and Craig taught a snowmobile specific Level 1 in the Uinta 

Mountains. 

 

• We utilized Google Earth and Google 2D maps to visually and spatially display locations of accidents, avalanches, snow profiles, weather stations and more. 

 

• We put the final touches on a project called Avalanche Ratings for Selected Routes in the Central 

Wasatch Range. We modified a Canadian Avalanche Association/Parks Canada Avalanche Terrain 
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Exposure Scale and adapted it for the Wasatch Range. The map includes thirty, color coded 

routes (green-yellow-orange-red) based on their avalanche potential. A Route Decision Making 

Matrix soon followed to help users decide what terrain may be appropriate for them that day, 

based upon their education, experience, and the day’s danger rating. This tool is intended to be 

used as a planning tool at home. 

 

• Paige Pagnuccho, developed a pocket card containing “red flag” obvious clues to danger based on 

snowpack and terrain, along with web site and telephone hotline information. 

 

• Brett Kobernik put his convalescence from a broken femur to good use as he became our web 

monkey and computer programmer. He has developed a system to revolutionize on-line observations into a web-based columnar and spatial display of searchable database. 

 

 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

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The National Weather Service: a very valuable partner. 

 

We cannot sufficiently express the gratitude for our partnership with the National Weather Service 

(NWS). Larry Dunn (an avid backcountry skier in his free time) is the head of the NWS in Salt Lake 

City. The NWS provides office space, internet connections, space on the NWS computer server, as 

well as, most importantly, weather data and weather forecasting. 

 

Since weather sculpts avalanche conditions, weather is obviously important in avalanche forecasting. 

Each morning the avalanche forecaster on duty speaks with the NWS lead forecaster on duty about 

current and upcoming weather. Then we use the state-of-the-art, NWS computers to refine the forecast for the mountains. Each morning, we serve as the intermediary and exchange a plethora of information back and forth between the NWS forecasters and all the avalanche workers in the mountains 

responsible for public safety. 

 

We would like to thank all of the lead forecasters along with everyone else who works in “the Circle” 

at the NWS for providing such great info and being a pleasure to work with. Randy Weatherly, a computer programmer at the NWS, also deserves thanks for putting up with pesky questions from the 

UAC forecasting staff on computer issues. He is unfortunate enough to have an adjoining cubicle and 

he routinely provides simple fixes to everyday computer issues along with insight to computer programming languages. 

 

Thanks again Larry, we look forward to working with you and your staff again next season. 

Huge avalanches could be seen everywhere you looked. Snowbird Ski Patrolman Joe DeVogelaere stands next to 

the crown of a large explosives triggered slide that occurred during the epic Christmas avalanche 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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Wasatch Season Summary 

 

Oct 4, 2008: Forecaster Brett Kobernik fractured his femur, his mcl and acl in a dirtbiking accident in 

southern Utah. Not good. The welder-come-forecaster reinvented himself again by learning the Drupal content management system, and with the help of Dharmatech, transitions our website to a cutting 

edge content management system. Now, even our most computer-averse forecasters can figure out 

how to change a web page. 

 

Oct 15, 2008: We transition to the Drupal website and a Google virtual office that enables forecasters to issue forecasts, receive observations, update all web products, create web calendars, and documents from any remote site that has internet access. 

 

Nov 1, 2008: Craig Gordon organized the first annual, Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop with 

over 300 in attendance. Topics ranged from deep slab instability to explosive use to wet snow and 

taught by many with over 20 and 30 years in the business. 

 

Nov 5, 2008 A potent winter storm ushers winter into the region. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov 12, 2008: Rain to all elevations. 

 

Nov 29, 2008: Rain to all elevations. Not good. Will henceforth be called the Thanksgiving Rain 

Crust. And a few other unprintable things. It was a stout rain crust on top of very weak depth hoar, 

which then grew even more weak, faceted snow on top of it. mechanically behaved like putting a pane 

of glass on top of a pile of tortilla chips and then dusting it with feathers. This long-lasting, very weak 

 

The Wasatch we all 

know and love 
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Remotely triggered avalanches in early December kept everyone on 

their toes. 

 

Bruce Tremper photo. 

Dec 14: A tragic accident occurs inbounds at the Snowbird Ski Resort. A 27-year-old woman is killed 

in an avalanche on a steep, northwest facing slope on Baldy around 10,500'. She’s buried for 50 minutes 

and found by probe line. This turns out to be the first of four inbounds avalanche fatalities this winter 

in the U.S. – something that has never happened before. Two tragedies occur at Squaw Valley, one 

customer and one ski patroller, with another customer killed at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Another very close call buries perhaps 4 patrolmen in Jackson near their patrol shack a few days later. 

 

Dec 17, 2008: Very dangerous conditions continue with lingering deep slab instability with one ski 

area producing a mile and a half of crown lines. Everyone is on edge, talking about a 20-year avalanche 

cycle. 

 

 

This snowpit illustrates the unstable nature of northern Utah’s 

early season snowpack. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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Uinta forecaster Craig Gordon shows a group of snowmobilers the robust Thanksgiving raincrust and explains 

why we’re so concerned with this winters snowpack structure. 

Dec 23, 2008: A close call along the Park City ridgeline when a skier triggers a slide that breaks 40' 

above him, releasing 2-3' deep and 50' wide. He’s able to grab a tree and let the snow wash by. It's not 

over. Then, skiing out to the left, he had another piece of snow break out 100' above him. With the 

snow coming, he was able to ski into a tree and again hold on as the snow rushed by. He was uninjured, but lost a couple years to his life by the event. 

A remotely triggered avalanche on the Park 

City/Mill Creek Ridgeline. This slide, triggered from a distance by skiers on their 

uptrack near the ridge, ran on weak snow 

near the ground, was 3’-6’ deep and about 

1000’ wide. Interestingly enough, cracks in 

the snow propagated for nearly 1/2 mile. 

The avalanche professional who triggered 

the slide has over 22 years of experience 

and said it was the widest slide he’s evr 

triggered. He also commented on the 

freakiness of the snow pack. Jeff Lonn 

photo. 
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Dec 24, 2008: - Logan Peak Fatalities 

We suffer our 2nd and 3rd fatalities in a single large, human triggered slide that kills two snowmobilers 

near Logan Peak. With little to no rescue gear, the two locals, aged 22 and 23, stood no chance under 

the onslaught of the 4-7’ deep and 2000’ wide avalanche – they were buried 6’ and 10’ feet deep, respectively. 

Arrows indicate the unbelievably impressive width of this deadly avalanche which tragically killed two 

young men on Christmas Eve. 

Control work at the ski areas continues to produce larger and more radical avalanches, with some taking out old shot holes, wrapping around ridgelines, and failing, moving down the slope a few feet, thinking about it, then releasing to the ground and running full track. Some release high on the slope, midslope, low on the slope and generally west to north to east, though not confined to the highest elevations. This is one of the many stories: a patroller skis out onto the slope to put an explosive-duct taped 

to a piece of bamboo in the starting zone, and skis off to the side where he then remotely triggers the 

hard slab 3-4' deep. He could look back and see the stick-bomb shaking from the slide. Then it explodes, taking out the flank of the other slide. This dislodged a boulder gouged into the ground and it 

rolled downhill on top of the debris. 

 

Dec 26, 2008: Full burial and live recovery near Little Water Peak. It’s a place where people go 

when they’re spooked, as most slope angles are less than 30 degrees. This 4’ deep 100’ wide hard slab 

was triggered by the 3rd person on the uptrack, in terrain 29 degrees in steepness. The fracture line 

had one small area that measured 33 degrees...with the rest at or below 30 degrees. Fortunately, the 

group practice deep burials have the blue victim out in 6-10 minutes and the tale has a happy outcome. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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This huge explosives triggered hard slab avalanche is caught in motion by a ski resort webcam. 

A fracture on a very gentle slope angle completely buried one victim 6 feet deep. Bruce 

Tremper photo 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

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Dec 29, 2008: 15 year old snowmobiler perishes in another deep slab avalanche –this one in the 

Western Uinta Mountains. It measures 4’ deep and 600’ wide and was triggered remotely by another 

member in the party. No one has rescue gear. 

A group of local snowmobilers survey the large human triggered avalanche on Yamaha Hill in the western 

Uinta Mountains which tragically killed a 15 year old young man from Evanston, Wyoming. 

 

Dec 30, 2008: The war-zone of the Wasatch Range is a checkerboard of crown lines and barelyhanging-on pieces of snow. Although conditions are starting to improve, if you look at avalanche sensitivity on a bell-curve, often it's most dangerous not at the apex but along the sides of the 'bell' where 

conditions are (1) starting to deteriorate and then (2) “starting to improve”. People continue to stick 

to gentle slopes. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

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Jan 7, 2009: Why do they call it a persistent weak layer? One of the last in the cycle, another very 

close call occurs out-of-bounds in the Brighton backcountry. The photo says it all. 

UAC forecaster Craig Gordon pictured here standing next to the crown the day after this very large avalanche 

was unintentionally triggered just outside the ski area boundary of Brighton. Two young snowboarders without 

any avalanche rescue gear, training or knowledge of the dicey nature of the snowpack, survived this extremely 

dangerous slide. Ironically Craig was presenting his annual Know Before You Go avalanche awareness presentation at the resort the next day and the packed house got to hear the tale of dumb luck from the survivors themselves. 

Feb 17, 2009: Storm totals were 28-32” in the Logan and Ogden area mountains, 24-28” in the Cottonwoods and Provo mountains, and 16-18” in the Park City area, but the big news was the 6.5 inches 

of “snow-water-equivalent” at the Ben Lomond snotel site. Long running naturals took out mature 

timber and crossed North Ogden Divide. 

 

slab with ice chunks, road material, and everything else that gets picked up by a front end loader doing 

it's morning rounds? 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

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Mar 10, 2009: It stopped snowing. But next, an unwelcome heat wave and wet avalanches. The Ides 

of March effectively place a dagger into the heart of the winter. It doesn’t snow for two more weeks. 

Two large natural wet slides in the Provo area mountains occur during the regions late February thaw dumping 

huge amounts of saturated cement-like debris in their runout zones . Photos by Patterson and Armstrong. 
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Mar 22, 2009: It snowed 14’ in 14 days, a record two week snowfall in upper Little Cottonwood. 

Snow totals through April 17th are 231 inches of snow with 17”SWE. Wow. With the deep slab instability asleep, we only had to deal with storm-snow avalanches. Backcountry skiers and riders would 

wait a day and then hit the steep lines with impunity. Ride it if it’s white. 

A skier triggers a soft slab avalanche on this classic wind loaded slope near pole line pass. 

Harris photo. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

22 

 

Apr 4, 2009: A backcountry skier falls 

through a cornice as he and his partner hike 

up the Mount Millicent shoulder on their 

way to Wolverine Peak. One person is 

caught and partially buried in open ski resort 

terrain. Due to lack of communication between the backcountry riders, an organized 

search of the debris ensues. Fortunately, no 

one else is buried... but the story doesn’t 

end there. The rider in the lead blows his 

partner off, continues to his destination and 

after running into several groups that urge 

him to return to the resort, he finally decides to let the searchers know he’s ok and 

everyone’s accounted for. 

 

April 17, 2009: It stops snowing, but only for 

a few days. Another 3’ deluge arrives the following week, followed by a return to spring, 

warm temps, and the peeling off of wet layers. 

Large destructive Size 4 glide avalanches rip out 

in Stairs Gulch, followed by other significant 

climax glide releases. 

By season’s end, Alta recorded 680” of snow, 

we suffered our average four avalanche fatalities, hits on the website exceeded 1.7 million 

views and most of the UAC staff scattered into 

the four winds by late April. By season’s end, 

Alta recorded 680” of snow, late April. 

Ski patrol probing debris in Brighton’s Milly Bowl. 

Debris from a very large natural wet avalanche 

peels off Storm Mountain, coming within 1/2 mile 

from hitting the Big Cottonwood Canyon road in 

late April. Matt McKee photo. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

23 

 

Professional Avalanche Workers 

An enormous thanks to all the professional avalanche workers throughout the state, from the ski resorts, highways and guide services, for their mountain weather, snowpack and avalanche information. 

The consistency, accuracy and honesty of their information are invaluable, as is their availability for discussions. The great teamwork among avalanche professionals in Utah is an important factor in helping 

us produce more timely and accurate forecasts. 

 

Alta Ski Area 

Beaver Mountain 

Brian Head Resort 

Brighton Resort 

Deer Valley Resort 

Diamond Peaks 

Exum Utah Mountain Adventures 

Nordic Valley 

Park City Mountain Resort 

Park City Powder Cats 

Powder Mountain 

Snowbasin Resort 

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort 

Solitude Resort 

Sundance 

A sign of things to 

come. A road grader 

plows through avalanche debris 

in Little Cottonwood 

Canyon at the beginning of the December 

avalanche cycle. A 

Nesbitt photo 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

24 

 

Western Uinta Summary 

By Craig Gordon 

 

The western Uinta avalanche forecast program issues avalanche and mountain weather advisories for a 

mountain range which consistently harbors one of the most dangerous snowpacks in the state. Stretching from Daniels Summit on the southern half of the range, to the Mirror Lake Highway to Bear River 

near Evanston, Wyoming, the western Uinta Mountains are a unique and challenging chunk of terrain. 

Advisories are issued on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays. Successfully completing its sixth 

season, so much has been achieved since the programs inception in 2003. 

 

Thanks 

Much of the success is due to the ongoing support from Fred Hayes and Utah State Parks, who help 

fund this and other snowmobile specific avalanche advisory programs, ultimately saving many lives. In 

addition to funding, it takes boots on the ground and infrastructure support to help programs like this 

flourish. First off, huge thanks are in order for the outstanding efforts by Ted Scroggin from the Evanston Ranger District for all his timely and accurate snow and avalanche observations and for helping to 

educate countless riders and skiers alike. He is an enormous asset to the community and I couldn’t pull 

this off without his help. Also, the Utah Avalanche Center wants to recognize the incredible support 

from both the Evanston and Kamas/Heber Ranger Districts. We appreciate all Steve Ryberg, Rick 

Schuler, John Campbell and Josh Jurgensen do for us and look forward to next season as we continue 

strengthening our partnership. Larry Lucas and the Salt Lake Ranger District provided a vehicle to conduct field work and haul snowmobile trailers, giving our worn out personal vehicles a much needed 

rest, which, at the end of the day created a safer commute. In particular, thanks to Grant Helgeson for 

all his hard work with our Avalanche Essentials class, the Uinta 

County Search and Rescue field day 

and of course, all the positive energy he brings to the table. Furthermore, thanks to everyone from the 

Park City Powder Cats. The strong 

working partnership and information sharing conduit forged this 

Even when it’s quiet elsewhere the 

Uinta Mountains often produce large 

avalanches. This slide above Camp 

Steiner is the result of a strong January 

wind event. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

25 

year should be a model for all organizations in this business. Finally, all the support from our good 

friends at Tri-City Performance and Weller’s Recreation in partnership with Polaris and Ski-Doo is 

simply amazing. Their sleds enable us to get into more terrain, see more snow and ultimately issue 

 

While the Election Day storm deposited nearly four feet of snow in the central Wasatch Mountains, 

the consistently snow challenged western Uinta Mountains only received about half that amount. With 

hunting season in full swing and a few isolated wind slabs along the ridges, we issued our first avalanche 

advisory on November 5th. Mid November clearing provided the perfect environment for facets to 

develop in the shallow early season snowpack. 

 

The Uinta Mountains are known for unusual weather 

and avalanche events, but nothing prepared us for the 

widespread rain incident and subsequent “Thanksgiving 

rain crust” that formed on the 29th. The moisture not 

only froze to the snow surface, it immediately adhered 

to clothing. Riders exiting the mountains looked more 

like glazed donuts than winter recreationists. The 

Uinta Mountains rarely see rain this time of year and 

we knew this unusual layer wouldn’t be good in the 

long run, adding yet another variable to an already 

challenging continental snowpack . December came in 

with little fanfare. A series of small storms through the 

middle of the month were no match for strong high 

pressure, which helped quickly facet the light density 

snows now growing weak and sugary above the stout Thanksgiving rain crust. We warned people of 

the dangerous setup and of problematic avalanche conditions once it started snowing or blowing in 

earnest. 

 

By December 20th, nuking winds and recent storm snow began overloading buried weak layers near the 

ground and we issued the first Avalanche Warning of the season. A series of potent systems bore 

down on the state and the Avalanche Warning remained in effect through the 28th as the entire range 

came unglued. The Christmas storm rocked the region with widespread class three avalanches breaking to the ground. Along with increased media outreach, press releases and plenty of TV face time, we 

also issued Special Avalanche Advisories for the western Uinta Mountains warning the public of the 

dicey, atypical and unpredictable nature of the snowpack. Unfortunately our efforts weren’t enough. 

 

Yamaha Hill Fatality 

The pack gained little strength by the 30th when a father and his three sons left the Bear River Service 

trailhead near Evanston, Wyoming and rode their snowmobiles towards the Moffit Basin in Utah, ultiThe dreaded Thanksgiving raincrust shown here in 

the hands of Park City Powder Cat Guide, Joe 

Devo. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

26 

mately landing near a steep, wind loaded slope, called Yamaha Hill. Fifteen year old Hayden Ellingford 

waited at the bottom of the slope as one of the riders from the group took a bite low on a hill above 

him, triggering a large avalanche. He was buried several feet deep, not wearing an avalanche beacon nor 

did any members in his party have rescue equipment. An organized outside rescue party found the 

young man an hour or so later at approximately 17:54. The avalanche averaged 4’ in depth (12 ft. at its 

deepest point), was 600’ feet wide, running for about 500’ vertically. The avalanche failed on a thin 

layer of facets above the Thanksgiving rain crust. The snowpack slowly gained strength through early 

January and as a result, human triggered avalanches became less widespread, but avalanche conditions 

remained sketchy nonetheless. We continually stumbled across very large slides that ran on the 

Thanksgiving rain crust as a result of a wind loading event or a small snow storm. Strong winds in the 

State Parks groomer extraordinaire Joe Donnell snapped this photo showing how easily his snowcat triggered 

avalanches during the Christmas cycle. While the snowpack is usually reluctant to reveals its secrets, this extremely dangerous setup was very apparent. Not long after, Craig and Ted examine the large slide on Yamaha 

Hill that tragically killed a 15 year old snowmobiler. 

Nuking winds on January 7th led to a pockety, natural avalanche cycle with many “safe” slopes peeling 

out to the ground. Jenn Berg photo. 

 

The east side of the range harbors some of the 

weakest snow around. Here, a moose experienced a 

close call when he triggered this slide near the east 

fork of the Bear River. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

27 

middle of the month sent the range into a widespread, albeit pockety, natural avalanche cycle and once 

again slides broke on the rain crust/weak snow interface near the ground. The western Uinta Mountains rarely experience storms systems that stack up big water totals. However, an uncharacteristically 

warm, moisture laden January storm system set its soggy sights for Utah on the 23rd with the rain/snow 

line hovering right around 9,000’. When the dust settled and the skies cleared, nearly four inches of 

snow water equivalent slammed a weak, structurally challenged snowpack, essentially doubling total 

snow depths in just three days... the range got clobbered. Clear skies on the 28th afforded a good look 

around and although many crowns were filled in, remnants of a deep widespread natural avalanche cycle could be seen nearly everywhere you looked. This storm helped the range turn the corner towards 

a stronger, more predictable snowpack. Raging winds towards the end of the month rapidly loaded 

upper elevation, leeward slopes producing yet another pockety, though not widespread, natural avalanche cycle. This was the first sign the snowpack was beginning to strengthen and we hoped for a 

more stable second half of the season. 

 

February was relatively quiet and by the middle of the month the snowpack metamorphosed from a 

problem child in their teens to a more 

conventional young adult, though we 

faced a few more adolescent speed 

bumps along the way. Several strong wind 

events towards the end of the month led 

to a handful of unintentionally human triggered slides, but everyone escaped unscathed and came home alive. 

 

March usually heralds the beginning of a 

deeper, more predictable snowpack 

throughout much of the region, though 

there always seems to be an unexpected 

pocket or two that rips out just when 

we’re feeling confident. This spring was no 

different. As we conducted our first snowmobile specific Level One class in the Chalk Creek Drainage, a few miles away a snowmobiler triggered 

a hard slab that was 5’-6’ deep and 250’ wide, breaking into old facets near the ground. While details 

were hazy at best, a witness reported being completely buried with just his helmet sticking out of the 

snow. Fortunately the group had avalanche rescue gear, dug their friend out of the snow and story has 

a happy outcome. The middle of the month brought with it near record setting temperatures and a few 

wet slides. By the 23rd though, we were back to winter mode and a series of cold, winter-like storms 

began pounding the region. March madness continued through the end of the month and with strong 

west and northwesterly winds accompanying each storm. With nearly three feet of new snow piling up 

Steep, rocky with a weak underlying snowpack. Even in March 

you can trigger avalanches to the ground in the Uinta Mountains 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

28 

in the high country in just a few days, we issued a Special Avalanche Advisory on the 26th. Yet another 

cold storm rolled into the region on the 31st and March went out like a lion. 

 

It was no April Fools joke as some of the best over-the-head and over-the-hood riding conditions were 

found late in the spring. By all accounts it was an amazing three week storm cycle with nearly 100” of 

new snow stacking up, especially in terrain favored by a northwest flow. We wrapped the forecast season up on April 12th and issued an end of the season summary on April 14th. 

 

For the 2008-09 season we issued 80 avalanche advisories, which included seven avalanche warnings 

and three special advisories. The range experienced one avalanche fatality, at least a dozen unintentionally human triggered avalanches, one moose triggered avalanche and three very close calls that we 

know of. 

 

Additional Uinta Highlights 

 

Weather Stations- 

 

Monies raised from snowmobile specific fundraising events allowed us to install three new weather stations in the western Uinta Mountains, a range which has been instrumentation challenged until now. A 

unique partnership forged with the National Weather Service, Utah Department of Transportation and 

Park City Powder Cats, a private snowcat skiing operation, helped expedite site installation along with 

communication and data retrieval. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships and expanding 

the program. Ultimately this not only benefits the riding public, but state, federal and private entities as 

well. 

Even the snowcats got in in the 

act, getting face shots the first 

week of April 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

29 

Snowmobile EducationIn conjunction with local snowmobile shops, clubs and Search and Rescue organizations, we presented 

over a dozen free, two hour, basic avalanche awareness talks. In addition, we offered an Avalanche Essentials class designed specifically for snowmobilers. The course, developed as a working man’s Level 

One, informed riders how to utilize key information in our advisories, make educated decisions when 

assessing terrain and snowpack and gave them solid “hands on” rescue training. With five instructors 

teaching a dozen high end riders, the student/teacher ratio was perfectly suited for this group. A three 

hour, Friday night lecture kicked off the seminar. In partnership with Park City Powder Cats, we segued into an eight hour field day on Saturday at the Thousand Peaks Ranch, which included a catered, 

gourmet lunch in the field and plenty of riding to maintain everyone’s interest. Judging by the personal 

reviews and internet threads, everyone was ecstatic with the class. Those participating came away not 

only with tangible, life saving skills, but also a greater appreciation for the proficiency and expertise avalanche forecasters bring to the table. Demand is high for continuing this level of education and we look 

forward to offering several classes next season. 

 

 

Beacon ParksFor the fifth season in a row, we installed a Backcountry Access beacon training facility at the extremely popular Noblett’s Trailhead. The site, within walking distance from the parking lot, is frequented by both local and destination riders alike. In addition, we installed yet another beacon training 

site provided by Ortovox on the Evanston side of the range in the Bear River parking lot. 

 

Snowmobiles PartnershipsFor several years both Tri-City Performance and Weller’s Recreation in conjunction with the Utah 

Snowmobile Association have stepped up to the plate, partnering to provide the Friends of the UAC a 

sled from Polaris and Ski-Doo respectively. We receive a new “loaner” snowmobile each year and our 

sleds are unmistakable. With an avalanche center logo on the hood, they’re eye catching and state-ofthe-art... there’s nothing else like ‘em on the snow. As a matter of fact, it creates quite a buzz at trailheads where riders often ask about avalanche conditions or just come by to tech-talk. Either way it’s 

another avenue that opens a dialog with riders, ultimately helping us spread the “avalanche gospel.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

30 

National Weather Service personnel Greg Wallace and Al Martinelli along with the Park City Powder Cats 

guides help install weather instrumentation on Windy Peak. Once this site was solid and running flawlessly, Ted 

Scroggin, Justin Cagle and Craig Gordon installed another site on Lofty Peak near the Mirror Lake Highway. An 

automated snow site by Mirror Lake will be added this winter. 

Ted Scroggin shows riders potentially dangerous layers of snow as Grant Helgeson records his 

findings, during this years Avalanche Essentials Class. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

31 

Ted and Grant take a breather after helping Craig install the Noblett’s Beacon Basin. On the other side of the 

range Ted maintains the beacon park near the Bear River Trailhead. 

Fundraising EventsRocky Mountain Sledders really took their fundraising efforts for the Avalanche Center to an unprecedented level this year. For the third year in a row, they helped host both the Dinner and a 

Movie night at Brewvies Cinema and coordinated our annual Avalanche Awareness Ride. For both 

events pro riders from Boondockers and Thunderstruck were on hand, helping to draw large 

crowds, ultimately benefiting fundraising efforts for the Friends of the UAC. These events raised over 

$8,000.00 for the Friends who ultimately invest the monies back into the sled community on snowmobile specific avalanche outreach and education projects. Many thanks go out to Pam Madsen for 

taking time out of her busy life to make this all come together. Her efforts have made a huge difference in the community and we’re tremendously grateful. 

 

Polaris and Tri-City Performance along with Ski-Doo and Weller’s Recreation strongly support our snowmobile 

specific avalanche forecast programs by generously supplying a new sled each year. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

32 

Are You Beeping? 

The Are You Beeping signage program began at local ski resorts as a way to graphically remind people 

that they need to be prepared when venturing into avalanche prone terrain. The signs are wildly popular and we decided to implement the same program at snowmobile trailheads in the western Uinta 

Mountains. To date we’ve installed five signs at key trailheads and feed back from riders indicates the 

signs are making a difference. As a matter of fact the program will expand to include other high traffic 

trailheads statewide. Private donors, in conjunction with local snowmobile clubs and the Utah Snowmobile Association purchased fourteen additional signs. Everyone involved will work closely with Utah 

State Parks to install these this coming season. 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig explains the unusual nature of 

the Uinta snowpack to a group of 

sledders at this years Avalanche 

Awareness Ride. 

An Are You Beeping sign at the 

Noblett’s Trailhead helps remind riders where to get currant information, what they 

need to look for and the right 

rescue gear to carry when venturing into avalanche prone 

terrain. Plans are underway to 

expand this very popular sign-
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

33 

 

Search and Rescue Classes 

 

One of the main charters of the UAC is avalanche education. While most folks know us for our free 

evening seminars and Level One classes, we also regularly interface with local, state and federal agencies as well. Throughout the winter we often provide on-the-snow clinics to those working on the 

front lines– Utah State Parks grooming personnel, Forest Service employees, local law enforcement 

and firefighter resources and Search and Rescue organizations, As a matter of fact, Search and Rescue 

personnel are often the unsung heroes in the avalanche equation, regularly performing rescues, and 

more often body recoveries, in miserable and usually dangerous conditions. 

 

For the past two seasons the UAC staff ramped up our efforts to help organize statewide training for 

S&R groups. Since they’re unique in many respects, we tailor our training towards the type of avalanche conditions they may encounter. The class begins with an evening presentation geared towards 

rescuers, focusing first and foremost on 

the rescuers safety. We talk about the 

basics- weather, snowpack, terrain and 

human factors, along with the resources 

available to get real-time information before putting boots on the ground. We 

then break into workshop groups where 

we throw out a scenario and review the 

procedures needed to conduct a safe rescue. You’d never guess these folks are 

volunteers and it’s amazing to see the 

level of expertise, training and professionalism kick into gear. 

 

Field days begin with a look at the currant 

avalanche advisory, then segue into beacon training, along with terrain and snowpack assessment and wind up with a mock rescue that we spring on the group when everyone’s feeling 

relaxed... usually during lunch. By early afternoon we’re riding sleds with the group (that’s when we 

usually get schooled) and wrap the day up with a debriefing and review. 

 

Since firefighters and law enforcement may be called upon as first responders or assist with an accident 

in the canyons, this year we also taught avalanche awareness classes tailored specifically for this group 

and in particular, the United Fire Authority. Three workshops were provided to the Wasatch Front 

specific stations and the FUAC received a very generous donation and a loyal partnership in return. 

 

Members of the Uinta County Search and Rescue practice their 

probing skills during the mock rescue portion of their field day. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

34 

 

Logan Summary 

By Toby Weed 

 

Much of the snow and avalanche history of the Logan area mountains are included in the Wasatch summary, but here are some additional details. 

 

First and foremost, Paige Pagnucco jumped right in and greatly upped the level of our local education 

and outreach efforts, while taking on organizational and teaching duties. This enabled us to present a 

number of well-liked classes to the community ranging from avalanche awareness talks and avalanche 

basics classes to AAA level 1 and level 2 certification courses, which now draw from students from 

across the West. Paige helped by instructing as well as organizing all the classes and developing our 

vital partnership with the USU Outdoor Recreation Center. Paige also developed and produced the 

popular "Red Flag Cards". In addition, she provided many relevant backcountry field observations from 

days that I could not venture into the field. 

 

Also, Utah State extension forester, Darren McAvoy contributed many days of teaching time, field observations, and crucial backcountry partnership... 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

35 

 

Manti Skyline Season Highlights by Grant Helgeson 

 

DecemberThe Manti Skyline escaped the dreaded Thanksgiving ice lens that plagued much of Utah as the rain fell 

on the bare ground. A few small storms passed through the area early December and promptly turned 

to facets (totaling about 14” of facets before the Christmas storms). 

 

Winter arrived late, but by December 20th there was enough snow to go out and play on, albeit tentatively. Some of the usual suspects pulled out before the Christmas storm cycle, which brought 24” of 

snow to the Skyline. This snow, along with intense wind loading produced a healthy & widespread avalanche cycle with entire bowls pulling out with failures near the ground in the facets. 

This large natural avalanche could easily be seen from the Miller Flats Trailhead 

 

JanuaryWe started January with a nice base in place. The pack was supportable and folks started getting after 

it, high marking all the big bowls. As a forecaster, I was concerned about the potential for deep, hard 

slab avalanches. In the pits, I consistently saw easy shears at the ground. Thankfully, everyone walked 

away from close calls, and we did not have any fatalities. (One close call involved a 5’ deep crown 

(160’ W x 1000’ L) 

 

We added an inch of water to the snowpack January 23rd, which prompted an avalanche warning. 

Amazingly, the snowpack took on the added burden without incident. This gave me some new found 

confidence in the pack, and showed me that the threat of deep hard slabs was waning. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

36 

 

February- 

 

The first week of February roared in a like a new born kitten. Temperatures were above freezing all 

the way to ridge top. While it didn’t help the riding, it did bond and strengthen the snowpack. On February 7th, Craig & I administered the 3rd annual avalanche ride that took place at Noblets trailhead in 

the Western Uinta Mountains. Proceeds benefited the UAC. The day was attended by the Boondockers & Thunderstruck pro riders. Craig, Ted and I put on a snow pit demonstration and spoke about 

the snowpack. 

Grant single handedly taught several Search and Rescue training sessions reaching out to dozens of rescuers, 

giving them skills essential to keep them safe while searching for avalanche victims. Here a member of Fairfeild 

 

Shortly thereafter we settled into more typical February conditions and by Valentines day the riding 

was over the hood. By this time, I was no longer concerned with the deep slabs and was now more 

concerned with conditions closer to the surface. 

 

The last two weeks of February were similar to the first, warm and mild, which effectively locked the 

pack up. 

 

March- 

 

March began with a cool drought. Bluebird days were the norm and a few small storms passed 

through the area. March 5th Craig, Ted and I taught the first UAC Snowmobile Level 1. The course 

was a raging success & was held in the Park City Powder Cats Tenure. 

 

Each day in March brought warmer & warmer temperatures. By March 20th I was forecasting for wet 

slides throughout the forecast area. Late March brought 18” of new to the area, and the riding conditions were fantastic. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

37 

 

April- 

 

The first weekend of the month was the last forecast of the season. Rather than a predictable spring 

snowpack, we had over 24” of snow in the Fairview summit parking lot. This was also the weekend of 

the “Skyline Shootout,” when snowmobile enthusiasts from all over the continent descend upon the 

skyline for a weekend of racing and hill climbing comps. Ironically, all the new snow limited the event, 

and the boys did not make it into the big terrain they were hoping to enter. 

Grant on a sled, generously donated to the Manti-Skyline program for the season by Glen Zumwald and Big 

Pine Sports in Fairview. 

 

 

Other: 

 

Youtube videos seem to be pretty popular; each skyline video sees 500 – 1000 views when mentioned 

in the forecast. 

 

The Skyline is favored by SW flow. 

 

The Skyline is a pure sledders hangout. Saw no other skiers all season! That being said, all the parking 

lots are full on the weekends. 

 

Almost all the sledders I spoke with (who check the forecast) prefer to check the phone lines rather 

than the web. Most used the state parks line. 

 

I also administered countless KBYG talks to schools & groups. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

38 

 

La Sal Avalanche Center Season Report 

 

Winter 2008 – 2009 

 

by: Dave Medara 

2009 AIARE Level I Class 

The first forecast for the season went out with a paltry 15.5 inches of snow on the ground. Climbers 

and bikers celebrated their good fortune while powder hounds either headed elsewhere or to the ski 

areas. Good skiing and riding conditions would not arrive until just before Christmas. From 12/22 – 

12/29 the La Sals would receive 38 inches of new snow at 10,000 feet finally get the base we needed 

for skiing and riding. This would be the biggest storm cycle of the year and briefly, we soared along at 

130% of normal snowpack on the water year. With typically rotten, weak snow on the ground this new 

snow resulted in some large class II and class III avalanches and would result in the largest avalanche 

cycle we had this season as well (see attached avalanche list and crown profile from 12/18/09). With 

things ripping out everywhere and the local touring and riding squads chomping at the bit for powder, 

we were a bit worried at the avalanche center. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

39 

 

Our concerns were never realized however and the thick coating of new snow created a supportable 

layer over the weak mid-level snowpack. This layer would stabilize quickly after the Christmas avalanche cycle and provide an excellent base for the remainder of our season. No “punchy” or 

“trapdoor” conditions would appear later as the new snow’s base rotted out from below. This snow 

was here to stay and supportable, which as just as well as our percentage of normal snowpack would 

soon begin a downhill slide that would last for the rest of the season. The snowpack continued to be 

very weak in the mid-pack and surface hoar layers that periodically developed in the La Sals never received enough of a load to be a problem. 

In January, February and through to the middle of March, snow would continue to fall in 

dribs and drabs in the La Sals, Enough snow 

would fall to keep us close to a 100% of normal curve. With no events larger than 9” at 

10,000 feet, avalanche activity was spotty 

and mostly related to wind events loading 

snow onto near surface facets. We had avalanche cycles on 1/28 and 2/10, both after 

high winds and about 9” of new snow. Both 

resulted in some impressive R2D2 avalanches, some of them probably flirting with 

D3 destructive potential. It is amazing what a 

9” storm can do in a faceted continental snowpack situation. Avalanche activity recorded for 

the rest of the season, except a repeater off Mt Tukunikuvatz that would release after yet another 

wind event, was limited to wet activity. This is mostly due to the fact that through Jan. Feb and March 

we would only record 62” of snow at our Gold Basin Study plot at 10,000 ft in the Central La Sals. 

Amazingly, do to the consistent small storms and brief periods of re-crystallization, skiing and riding 

conditions remained good for most of this part of early 2009. A rain event that capped off 8” of new 

snow on Feb. 23rd did some damage to the snow quality, and brought an "instant corn” cycle that 

would prove to be the best spring conditions of the year. These spring conditions did not last long, 

early March snow covered the crusts and brought us back to winter snow conditions until the center 

closed on April 4th. 

Post Christmas high pressure and epic surface hoar. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

40 

 

The weather event that would have the most dramatic effect on the SE Utah snowpack was not the 

small snow totals or the cool temps that kept the skiing decent, but the wind. On 3/23, 3/29, 4/3 and 

then again on 4/15/09 dust storms that would darken the sky hit Moab and the mountains of SE Utah. 

Winds events that carry dust are not unusual on this part of the Colorado Plateau. These events were 

unusual though. Satellite imagery was able to track monster plumes of dust from the Painted Desert in 

Arizona (see attached photo). Dust that turned the La Sal Mountains reddish pink could be seen from 

town and all but destroyed the spring skiing and riding in SE Utah (and parts of Colorado as well). 

Once the melt-freeze cycles began and the snow began to transform into spring corn, it never had a 

chance to mature into a desirable spring surface. The snow melted more quickly with the dirt on it and 

as each layer of dust consolidated into to the other, the shrinking snowpack became less and less 

skiable. Reports from spring skiers and snowboarders were dismal. Wherever the snow had melted 

enough to show the dust, nothing would slide on it, no matter what wax was being used. Even though 

winter conditions lasted into April, it is worth noting that from October 1, through April 4th we only 

measured 179 inches of new snow at our Gold Basin study plot. Had there been personnel to measure 

snow beyond that date, no doubt our seasonal total would be greater, as we had a fairly wet spring 

with snow falling in the La Sals well into the month of June. We finished the season at 85% of normal 

snowpack in the La Sals and 65% in the Abajo Mountains. 

 

The 2008-2009 season started out slowly, provided good skiing and riding for the majority of the season, and went out with an apocalyptic dust storm(s) that put a distinct end to the season in early April. 

There were no avalanche accidents in the La Sal Mountains this winter. There were 2 human triggered 

slides, one caused on the backside of Julie’s Glade intentionally (though much bigger than expected!) 

and another when a skier was caught on a south facing run too late into the daytime warming. No one 

was caught or hurt. 

 

Dust storm, Indian Creek, about 20 miles SW of the La Sal Mountains 04/15/09 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

41 

 

OUTREACH 

The 2008-2009 season at the La Sal Avalanche Center was a fairly busy one for education and outreach. It began on December 12th with Medara traveling to Crested Butte Colorado to take an American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) level II instructor refresher course. AIARE 

is an excellent program with an established curriculum that is easily customized to an instructor’s avalanche region and climate. 

 

 

During the 2008-2009 season 47 separate Avalanche and Mountain weather bulletin were issued on 

the Internet, our local 259-SNOW telephone number, and on the 888-999-4019 statewide telephone 

number. The Moab 9,360 times and we received 101 calls on the Statewide toll-free hotline. While call 

counts seem low, it is worth noting that the majority of locals use the 259-SNOW hotline for calls to 

the Avalanche Center and our counter is incompatible with the digital system that is now used in the 

Forest Service. For this reason call counts for the 259-SNOW hotline are unavailable. 88) 999-4019 

 

12/9/08 Grand County Search and Rescue 20 

12/16/08 Moab/Montecello Ranger District 9 

1/5/09 Rotary Club 30 

1/12/09 Avalanche Awareness at Grand County Library 12 

1/30/09 Level I Class 16 

2/20-21/09 Southern Utah University 16 

3/9/09 Grand County High School 22 

3/20-22/09 Santa Fe, NM AIARE Level 1 Class University of New Mexico 17 

Date Class and Location People 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

42 

 

FUTURE 

 

As the 2009-2010 season approaches, it is the hope of the past and present staff of the LSAC, and the 

board members of the Friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center that we can regain some of the footing 

we lost due to budget cuts this past season. With our forecast schedule cut nearly in half, our outreach 

in SE Utah has been cut back significantly. The La Sal Avalanche Center will continue to do as much as 

we can to educate and inform the winter backcountry user. 

 

Funding levels for next season are an unknown and avalanche forecasting and education in S. Utah will 

remain undefined until budgets become more clear. What will happen for coverage of the North Zone 

of the Manti-La Sal NF for next year remains to be seen. When and if funding levels rise in the future, 

we would like to see Max return to the roster as a forecaster for the center again. This would greatly 

enhance our ability to forecast and educate in an area that covers roughly 2/5ths of the state of Utah. 

In the meantime Max’s new job in the recreation department is keeping him busy with plenty of projects. Hope fully there is some money in the budget for him next season. 

 

Our plans for next winter include all the education and outreach we accomplished this year and an additional Level I avalanche class at Southern Utah University tentatively scheduled for mid February. 

Automation of our Gold Basin Study Plot is almost completed with all of the equipment purchased and 

communications (finally) worked out. We hope to get it online and onto the Mesowest network next 

year. Finally, I’d like to thank Max Forgensi, Eric Treanbeth, Ed Grote and all the Board Members of the 

Friends of the LSAC for their support this past season. It couldn’t have been done with out you observations and support. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

43 

Utah Snow and Avalanche WorkshopOn Nov. 1st, the UAC hosted an all day snow and avalanche workshop at The Depot, a downtown Salt 

Lake City venue, perfectly suited for the event. The symposium offered a morning gathering for avalanche professionals followed by an afternoon session open to the public. Over 300 people attended 

the clinic which offered presentations from the Wasatch’s foremost avalanche experts. Monte Atwater, 

the original Alta snow ranger and avalanche researcher, would’ve been psyched, as many diverse topics 

from wet snow avalanches to historic avalanche cycles, along with new methods of avalanche control 

work made for a riveting seminar. 

 

Monetary and in- kind support was generously donated by Kirkhams, Wasatch Touring, White Pine 

Touring, Black Diamond, the National Avalanche Center, the American Avalanche Association, Wasatch Powderbird Guides, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, REI, Ortovox, Backcountry Access, Pieps, 

and The North Face. 

 

Backcountry. Com supplied first class swag, stoking the crowd and kindly donating to the cause. Plans 

are already underway for this year’s event. 

Special Events, Outreach and Education 

Craig hands over a North Face sleeping bag to a very happy raffle prize winner. The afternoon session brought an outstanding line up of presenters. Here Jim Conway talks about “The Method Behind the Madness” an inside look at TGR’s snow safety program. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

44 

Avalanche education guru Ian McCammon mesmerizes the afternoon crowd with his research regarding decision making in avalanche terrain. Anita Gordon photo. 

 

 

Lift Ticket PartnershipLike many avalanche centers we face year to year budget shortfalls and somehow through fundraisers 

and community support patch things together and make it work. This year however, it looked worse 

than usual and we faced a $50,000 funding gap. The UAC is an incredibly fortunate organization, enjoying strong support from not only local backcountry skiers, but local ski resorts alike. In partnership 

with Ski Utah, which represents marketing of the 13 statewide ski resorts, the Friends of the UAC approached resort general managers with a unique proposal based on a successful template implemented 

by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center. Lift tickets donated to the Friends could be sold and proceeds 

would help with our funding crisis. We were able to establish donations from eleven resorts and setup 

an online storefront with our good partner, Backcountry.Com. Tickets ranged from $20.00 to $73.00 

and sales went through the roof with many areas selling out within a few days of the program going 

live. The lift ticket initiative generated just over $38,000 and along with extra funding from Friends of 

UAC, and the Forest Service Recreation Fee program, we were able to make ends meet and avert a 

potential funding crisis. In the spirit of a true partnership, we’re looking forward to continued support 

for the upcoming season. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

45 

 UAC Avalanche Education 2008-2009 

Date Staff Name Event 

# of 

people 

11/1/2008 Tremper/Gordon Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop 300 

11/15/2008 Gordon Triple S Snowmobile Shop 9 

11/18/2008 Gordon Bear River Yamaha 43 

11/19/2008 Weed Butter's Tractor, Avalanche awareness for snowmobilers 47 

11/20/2008 Weed Avalanche Awareness, Logan Ranger District 10 

11/25/2008 Gordon Sandy City Council 18 

12/4/2008 Lees Sandy REI Avalanche Awareness 50 

12/6/2008 Gordon Park City Powder Cats Refresher 11 

12/8/2008 Lees ACE Womens' Beacon Clinic 15 

12/11/2008 Lees Sandy REI Snowshoe Avalanche Awareness 50 

12/12/2008 Weed USU Outdoor Recreation Center, Introduction to Avalanches 9 

12/17/2008 Gordon Bureau of Reclamation 33 

12/18/2008 Weed Avalanche Awareness, Logan Ranger District 1 

12/19/2008 Gordon University of Utah Med Center (Air-Med) 66 

12/22/2008 Kobernik Rossignol Basic Awareness Talk 35 

1/5/2009 Gordon Cottonwood Heights City Council 16 

1/6/2009 Gordon Summit County Search & Rescue 88 

1/8/2009 Weed USU Outdoor Recreation Center, Introduction to Avalanches 7 

1/9/2009 Tremper Science of Avalanches - Park City 250 

1/10/2009 Weed/Pagnucco Introduction to Avalanches, Field 13 

1/12/2009 Kobernik REI Salt Lake Basic Awareness 60 

1/12/2009 Lees ACE Womens' Avalanche Awareness Workshop 12 

1/12/2009 Gordon Wasatch Search & Rescue 72 

1/14/2009 Gordon Rocky Mountain Power Field Day 17 

1/15/2009 Weed/Pagnucco USU Outdoor Recreation Center, Level 1 12 

1/17/2009 Staff FUAC 3.5 day Level 1 Avalanche Course 30 

1/15/2009 Tremper Science of Avalanches - REI 200 

1/16/2009 Gordon Weber County Search & Rescue Evening Session 38 

1/17/2009 Gordon Weber County Search & Rescue Field Session 41 

1/17/2009 Weed/Pagnucco USU ORC, Level 1 Field Session 12 

1/18/2009 Weed/ McAvoy USU ORC, Level 1 Field Session 12 

1/20/2009 Gordon Tri-City Performance 62 

1/20/2009 Scroggin FMC Soda Ash Mine, near Green River Wyoming 25 

1/22/2009 Gordon Uinta County Search & Rescue Evening Session 41 

1/22/2009 Weed Cache County SAR 43 

1/24/2009 Weed Cache County SAR Field Session 43 

1/24/2009 Helgeson/Scroggin Uinta County Search & Rescue Field Session 32 

1/27/2009 Scroggin Kemmerer Ranger District employees 22 

1/27/2009 Gordon Brighton 101 Evening Session 32 

1/28/2009 Gordon/Helgeson Brighton 101 Field Session 32 

1/29/2009 Weed 

Cache Honda-Yamaha, Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers 7 

1/31/2009 Weed/Pagnucco 

Northern Utah Doo-Talk ride, Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers 73 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

46 

 UAC Avalanche Education 2008-2009 

Date Staff Name Event 

# of 

people 

2/2/2009 Gordon Snowflakes Snowmobile Club 57 

2/2/2009 Scroggin Evanston Ranger District employees 9 

2/4/2009 Scroggin Bridger Land Polaris, MountainView, Wy 21 

2/4/2009 Pagnucco Cache County SAR, Winter Safety Day 220 

2/5/2009 Weed/Pagnucco USU Outdoor Recreation Center, Level 1 12 

2/7/2009 Weed/Pagnucco USU ORC, Level 1 Field Session 12 

2/8/2009 Weed/McAvoy USU ORC, Level 1 Field Session 12 

2/10/2009 Scroggin FMC Soda Ash Mine, Green River, Wy 45 

2/10/2009 Tremper/Gordon Forest Service Daniel's Summit meeting 40 

2/12/2009 Staff FUAC 3.5 day Level 2 Avalanche Course 30 

2/19/2009 Weed/Pagnucco USU Outdoor Recreation Center, Level 2 8 

2/20/2009 Weed/Pagnucco USU ORC, Level 2 Field Session 8 

2/21/2009 Tremper Wilderness Medicine Conference - Park City 250 

2/21/2009 Weed/McAvoy USU ORC, Level 2 Field Session 8 

2/22/2009 Weed/Hardesty USU ORC, Level 2 Field Session 8 

2/24/2009 Scroggin FMC Soda Ash Mine, Green River, Wy 22 

3/3/2009 Tremper JCC avalanche awareness class 30 

3/7/2009 Gordon Avy Essentials for Snowmobilers Evening Session 13 

3/8/2009 Gordon Avy Essentials for Snowmobilers Field Session 12 

3/9/2009 Gordon United Fire Authority Avalanche Training 13 

2/14-

16/2009 Staff FUAC Level II class - Brighton 40 

 

 2859 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

47 

Know Before You GoIn its fifth season, Know Before You Go (KBYG) reached several significant milestones this year. First, 

it’s been seen by over 100,000 Utah teens. Second, not one Utah teen attending a KBYG presentation 

has been killed in an avalanche. And finally, this year the Utah Board of Education included KBYG in the 

Health One Core Curriculum, a class taught primarily in the 7th grade. Teachers are encouraged to 

utilize our on-line curriculum as well as the free, state-wide, assembly presentation. 

 

In addition, two new partners, Recco and Backcountry Access came on board to help us with our message. Their additional funding allowed us to give over 100 presentations in Utah and re-edit the popular 

15 minute KBYG video, adding new footage and a rockin’ soundtrack. We mailed out over 100 copies 

to avalanche centers and educators 

both nationally and internationally. 

 

We’re extremely fortunate to have 

such a qualified staff which includes 

many ski area patrol and snow safety 

personnel, local guides and UAC forecasters. With nearly a dozen presenters we take the show on the road and 

talk with school groups, usually in an 

all school assembly style presentation. 

Many of the presenters will juggle several talks in a day, often speaking to 

thousands of young adults. Our message is progressive, proactive, effective 

and it gets national exposure. As a 

matter of fact, CBS Evening News 

highlighted KBYG during the programs initial pilot winter of 2004-05. They came back to update the 

story this winter, airing a segment focusing on the programs amazing success in the past five years. 

 

The program has taken on a life of its own and it’s remarkable to witness first hand how basic avalanche awareness is a critical component to the avalanche equation. Other mountain states have seen 

our achievements and are adopting similar curriculum, using the successful KBYG template as a model 

for their programs. 

Grant Helgeson digs a snowpit to explain layering in the snowpack 

to a group of students on a field day from the Etheos Academy. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

48 

 Know Before You Go 2008-2009 

Date Staff Name Event 

# of 

people 

# of 

presentations 

10/13/2008 Richards Viewmont High School 225 4 

10/14/2008 Garcia Viewmont High School 175 3 

10/23/2008 Whatley West Hills Middle School 1043 2 

11/5/2009 Gordon Park City Academy 43 1 

11/10/2008 Gordon Bonneville Junior High School 950 1 

11/10/2008 Lee Park City High School 200 4 

11/11/2008 Gordon Park City High School 221 4 

11/20/2008 Gordon Murray High School Ski/Board Club 11 1 

11/20/2008 Richards U of U Freeriders Club 43 1 

11/21/2008 Whatley Hillside Middle School 611 1 

11/23/2008 Gordon Gold Miner’s Daughter 31 1 

11/24/2008 Lee Treasure Mountain Middle School 180 4 

11/25/2008 Whatley Treasure Mountain Middle School 186 4 

12/1/2008 Garcia Clayton Middle School 571 1 

12/2/2008 Whatley Morgan High School 679 1 

12/2/2008 Whatley Morgan Middle School 117 1 

12/4/2008 Whatley Toole Hikers Club 11 1 

12/4/2008 Trotter Ephraim Middle School 345 1 

12/4/2008 Trotter North Sanpete Middle School 361 1 

12/4/2008 Trotter UVSC 9 1 

12/9/2008 Lee Rocky Mountain Middle School 692 2 

12/9/2008 Lee South Summit Middle School 312 1 

12/9/2008 Whatley Draper Scout Group 56 1 

12/10/2008 Helgeson Davis Middle School- Evanston 359 1 

12/10/2008 Helgeson Evanston Middle School 362 1 

12/10/2008 Wewer South Cache Middle School 1140 2 

12/11/2008 Helgeson Olympus Jr. High School 855 1 

12/11/2008 Helgeson Itineris Early College High School 152 1 

12/12/2008 Lee Indian Hills Middle School 1213 2 

12/15/2008 Garcia Butler Middle School 998 1 

12/15/2008 Morris Butler Middle SchoolMountain View High School 220 4 

12/16/2008 Whatley Mountain View High School 213 4 

12/16/2008 Helgeson 

Central Davis Junior High School (ski/board 

club) 37 1 

12/17/2008 Helgeson South Davis Jr. High School 400 4 

12/18/2008 Richards Pineridge Academy 35 3 

12/29/2008 Helgeson Olympic Park 11 1 

1/5/2009 Gordon Westminster College 23 1 

1/6/2009 Helgeson Churchill Jr. High 248 1 

1/6/2009 Morris Willow Creek Middle School 1421 1 

1/6/2009 Helgeson Canyon Sports 50 1 

1/7/2009 Helgeson Rocky Mountain Power 103 1 

1/7/2009 Gordon Deer Valley 21 1 

1/8/2009 Gordon Brighton Ski Resort 275 1 

1/9/2009 Whatley Entheos Academy 23 1 

1/10/2009 Gordon Draper Scout Group 19 1 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

49 

 Know Before You Go 2008-2009 

Date Staff Name Event 

# of 

people 

# of 

presentations 

1/12/2009 Garcia Saint Ambrose Catholic Church 37 1 

1/13/2009 Morris REI- 33rd South 63 1 

1/14/2009 Whatley Sandy Scout Group 200 1 

1/14/2009 Gordon Westminster College 13 1 

1/15/2009 Gordon Steeps Camp 15 1 

1/16/2009 Whatley Timpanogos High School 1449 1 

1/16/2009 Whatley Lone Peak High School 1978 1 

1/16/2009 Whatley Oak Canyon Jr. High School 1327 1 

1/22/2009 Whatley REI- Sandy 67 1 

1/23/2009 Whatley Viewmont High School 200 3 

1/23/2009 Gordon Steeps Camp 19 1 

1/26/2009 Helgeson Viewmont High School 200 3 

1/27/2009 Helgeson Glenwood Middle School 1000 1 

1/28/2009 Helgeson BYU 23 1 

1/29/2009 Gordon University of Utah 20 1 

1/30/2009 Whatley Entheos Academy 29 1 

1/31/2009 Gordon 

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue Basic Avalanche 

Awareness 12 1 

2/3/2009 Garcia Kearns Junior High 983 1 

2/4/2009 Helgeson North Summit Middle School 306 1 

2/6/2009 Gordon Oakley School 112 1 

2/6/2009 Gordon Steeps Camp 23 1 

2/13/2009 Gordon Young Presidents Organization 102 1 

2/17/2009 Helgeson Evanston High School 300 1 

2/18/2009 Whatley Pleasant Grove Scout Group 46 1 

2/19/2009 Helgeson Butler Elementary 67 1 

2/20/2009 Helgeson Sundance Ski Team 28 1 

2/21/2009 Whatley Logan Scout Group 35 1 

2/23/2009 

Gordon/

Helgeson Entheos Academy- Field Day 17 1 

2/23/2009 Garcia Salt Lake Scout Group 23 1 

2/25/2009 Gordon Eastmont Middle School 936 1 

2/25/2009 Whatley Orem High School 49 1 

3/11/2009 GR Fletcher Ogden Scout Group 32 1 

 9711 36 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

50 

 

Backcountry 101 

Taking the Know Before You Go program to a 

practical, “hands on” level, this year we partnered 

with Brighton Ski Resort to offer Backcountry 

101- a basic on-the-snow avalanche awareness 

class for lift served backcountry riders. The concepts for the class are simple, giving riders the 

skills they need to recognize the difference between being in the ski area boundary and venturing into the backcountry, even if it’s just on the 

other side of the rope line. 

 

We teamed up with members of the Brighton Ski 

Patrol and start off with an advanced evening lecture that covers weather, snowpack, terrain, route finding and rescue. The next day we meet and conduct easy searches with avalanche beacons before moving onto a mock rescue on the mountain. Like 

most rescue exercises, the group quickly realizes they want to avoid avalanches all together and after a 

quick debriefing we jump on a lift and look at snowpack and terrain, while getting a few turns in between. 

 

Because of the intense demand, we taught two sessions to over 50 local skiers and snowboarders. 

Plans are already underway with Brighton to offer the program again this year and we look forward to 

expanding our message, ultimately partnering with other resorts and tapping into the local expertise of 

their ski patrol and snow safety personnel as well. 

Brighton's Snow Safety Director leads the charge up 

Peak 10,321 to assess terrain with a group participating in a Backcountry 101 class. 

A participant in Backcountry 101 seen here retrieving a buried duffle bag used in the “mock rescue” portion of 

the class. While all students where avalanche rescue gear, they quickly realize avoid avalanches all together is 

the big ticket item. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

51 

 

Know Before You Go Partners 

 The Byrne Family Foundation 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

52 

UAC Media Contacts 2008-2009 

Date Staff Name Agency Subject 

National 

or 

International 

TV 

Interview 

National 

or 

International 

TV 

Info 

Nationa

l or 

Internationa

l 

Print 

Media 

Local 

TV 

Natio

nal 

Radio 

Lo

cal 

Ra

dio 

Local 

Pri

nt 

9/19/2008 Tremper Salt Lake Weekly Funding issues x 

9/29/2008 Tremper Men's Journal 

Changing backcountry 

demographics x 

11/21/2008 

Weed/ Pagnucco Herald-Journal upcoming classes, FUAC 

fundraiser x 

12/8/2008 Tremper Backcountry Magazine Avalanche conditions x 

12/8/2009 Lees Local TV Avalanche conditions x 

12/8/2008 Tremper PolarstarPublishing.com Avalanche conditions x 

12/15/2008 Gordon Fox 13 Avalanche Conditions x 

12/15/2008 Tremper Channel 2 Snowbird fatality x 

12/15/2008 Tremper Channel 4 Snowbird fatality x 

12/15/2008 Tremper Channel 5 Snowbird fatality x 

12/15/2008 Tremper Channel 13 Snowbird fatality x 

12/15/2008 Tremper Salt Lake Tribune Snowbird fatality x 

12/15/2008 Tremper Denver Post Snowbird fatality x 

12/16/2008 Gordon Fox 13 Avalanche Conditions x 

12/17/2008 Weed Utah Public Radio Avalanche Safety x 

12/19/2008 Tremper Channel 4 Avalanche conditions x 

12/19/2008 Tremper Channel 13 Avalanche conditions x 

12/21/2008 Kobernik KUTV Channel 2 Inbounds Avalanche Fatality x 

12/22/2008 Gordon Logan Herald 

Upcoming Storm/Avalanche 

Conditions x 

12/22/2008 Tremper Channel 13 Avalanche conditions x 

12/23/2008 Weed Herald-Journal Avalanche Conditions x 

12/23/2008 Tremper Park Record Avalanche conditions x 

12/23/2008 Tremper AOL Avalanche conditions x 

12/23/2008 Tremper 

Ogden Standard Examiner Avalanche conditions x 

12/23/2008 Hardesty Fox Nexs Avalanche conditions x 

12/24/2008 Hardesty Channel 2 Avalanche conditions x 

12/24/2008 Gordon KTVX Channel 4 Logan Avalanche Accident x 

12/24/2008 Gordon Fox 13 Logan Avalanche Accident x 

12/25/2008 Kobernik ABC News 

Continuing Avalanche Danger x 

12/25/2008 Gordon The Weather Channnel 

Current Utah Avalanche 

Conditons x x 

12/25/2008 Gordon KSL Radio Avalanche Conditions x 

12/25/2008 Weed Herald-Journal Logan Peak Accident x 

12/27/2008 Gordon KSL Radio Avalanche Conditions x 

12/27/2008 Tremper Channel 13 Avalanche conditions x 

12/27/2008 Tremper Channel 2 Avalanche conditions x 

12/27/2008 Tremper Channel 5 Avalanche conditions x 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

53 

UAC Media Contacts 2008-2009 

Date Staff Name Agency Subject 

National 

or 

International 

TV 

Interview 

National 

or 

International 

TV 

Info 

Nationa

l or 

Internationa

l 

Print 

Media 

Local 

TV 

Natio

nal 

Radio 

Lo

cal 

Ra

dio 

Local 

Pri

nt 

12/27/2008 Weed Herald-Journal Logan Peak Accident x 

12/27/2008 Weed Salt Lake Tribune Logan Peak Accident x 

12/29/2008 Gordon Fox 13 Uinta Avalanche Fatality x 

12/30/2008 Kobernik CNN 

Western US Avalanche Conditions x 

12/30/2008 Gordon Salt Lake Tribune Uinta Avalanche Fatality x 

12/30/2008 Gordon Park City Record Uinta Avalanche Fatality x 

12/30/2008 Gordon Evanston Herald Uinta Avalanche Fatality x 

1/1/2009 Gordon CNN Headline News Avalanche Conditions x x 

1/5/2009 Tremper New York Times Avalanche conditions x 

1/7/2009 Gordon KTVX Channel 4 Avalanche Conditions x 

1/8/2009 Gordon KTVX Channel 4 

Brighton Backcountry Closecall/Avy Education x 

1/8/2009 Gordon Fox 13 

Brighton Backcountry Closecall/Avy Education x 

1/9/2009 Weed Herald-Journal Avalanche Safety/Conditions x 

1/11/2009 Lees Local TV Avalanche Awareness x 

1/10/2009 Kobernik Salt Lake Tribune Avalanche Awareness x 

1/10/2009 Kobernik KTVX Channel 4 Avalanche Awareness x 

1/14/2009 Weed Valley Channel Avalanche Safety x 

1/15/2009 Gordon KTVX Channel 4 

Road Closure/Avalanche 

Conditions x 

1/15/2009 Gordon New York Times Surviving an Avalanche x 

1/28/2009 Tremper Associated Press Avalanche conditions x 

2/2/2009 Tremper Outdoor Utah Profile on Bruce Tremper x 

2/13/2009 Gordon Fox 13 Avalanche Conditions x 

2/16/2009 Gordon CBS Evening News Know Before You Go x x 

2/25/2009 Hardesty National Geographic Kids Avalanche Awareness x 

3/5/2009 Gordon CNN Avalanche Awareness x x 

3/22/2009 Lees Channel 5 Avalanche Conditions 

3/26/2009 Gordon Fox 13 

Avalanche Warning/Current 

Conditions x 

4/5/2009 Gordon KUTV Channel Two 

Mount Millicent Cornice Accident x 

4/5/2009 Gordon Fox 13 

Mount Millicent Cornice Accident x 

4/5/2009 Gordon Salt Lake Tribune 

Mount Millicent Cornice Accident x 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

54 

Accidents and Statistics 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

55 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

56 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

57 

 

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3/9/1958 2 Snowbasin Rescuer 2

3/29/1964 1 Snowbasin Worker 1

12/31/1965 1 Park City In-bounds skier 1

2/12/1967 2 Pharoah’s Glen Climbers 2

2/19/1968 1 Rock Canyon Hiker 1

1/29/1970 1 Alta In-bounds skier 1

1/29/1973 1 Park West In-bounds skier 1

1/6/1976 1 Alta Out of bounds skier 1

3/3/1977 1 Snowbird In-bounds skier 1

1/19/1979 1 Helper Worker 1

4/2/1979 1 Lake Desolation Backcountry skier 1

1/11/1980 1 Evergreen Ridge Out of bounds skier 1

2/1/1981 1 Cardiff Hiker 1

3/1/1981 1 Millcreek Backcountry skier 1

3/22/1982 1 near Park West Backcountry skier 1

1/2/1984 1 Superior Peak Backcountry skier 1

2/22/1985 1 Near Powder Mountain Backcountry skier 1

3/19/1985 1 Park City In-bounds wet slide 1

11/13/1985 2 Sunset Peak Backcountry skiers 2

1/6/1986 1 Provo Canyon Backcountry skier 1

2/17/1986 1 Big Cottonwood Canyon Backcountry snowboarder 1

2/19/1986 1 Alta In bounds skier 1

11/20/1986 1 Sugarloaf, Alta Hiker in unopened area 1

2/15/1987 1 Twin Lakes Reservoir Backcountry skier 1

11/25/1989 1 Tony Grove Lake, Logan Backcountry skier 1

2/12/1992 3 1 Gold Basin, La Sal Mtns Backcountry vskiers 4

4/1/1992 1 Mineral Basin, near Snowbird Backcountry skier 1

1/16/1993 1 Sundance (closed area) Backcountry skier 1

2/25/1993 1 Pinecrest, Emig. Cyn. Backcountry skier 1

4/3/1993 1 Wolverine Cirque Backcountry skier 1

2/18/1994 1 10,420 Peak, B.C.C. Backcountry skier 1

11/7/1994 1 Snowbird (pre-season) Backcountry skier 1

1/14/1995 2 Ben Lomond, near Ogden Snowmobilers 2

1/23/1995 1 Midway Resident killed in roof slide 1

2/12/1995 1 Gobbler’s Knob, B.C.C. Backcountry skier 1

2/2/1996 1 Solitude patroller Worker 1

3/27/1996 1 Maybird Gulch, L.C.C. Backcountry skier 1

12/7/1996 1 Bountiful Peak Snowmobiler 1

12/26/1996 1 Flagstaff Peak Backcountry snowboarder 1

1/11/1997 3 Logan Peak Three campers 3

1/25/1997 1 Provo Canyon Climber 1

1/17/1998 1 Near Coleville Snowmobiler 1

1/18/1998 1 Sanpete County Snowmobiler 1

2/26/1998 1 Near Weber State hiker (possible suicide) 1

11/7/1998 1 Snowbird (pre-season) Snowboarder 1

1/2/1999 2 Wasatch Plateau Snowboarders 2

1/29/1999 1 Mt. Nebo Snowmobiler 1

2/6/1999 1 Little Willow Canyon Hiker 1

1/11/2000 1 1 Squaretop Out of bounds Skiers 2

12/14/2001 1 Willard Basin Snowmobiler 1

2/27/2001 1 Near Canyons Resort Out of bounds Skier 1

3/10/2001 2 Uinta Mtns near Oakly Snowmobiler 2

4/28/2001 2 Stairs Gulch, BCC Climbers 2

1/31/2002 1 Windy Ridge, Uinta Mtns. Backcountry Skier 1

3/16/2002 2 Pioneer Ridge near Brighton Out of bounds Snowboarders 2

Avalanche Fatalities in Utah 1958-2009 - By Activity
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

58 

 

2/15/2003 1 Gobbler’s Knob, B.C.C. Skier 1

12/26/2003 3 Aspen Grove, Timpanogos Snowboarders 3

2/26/2004 1 Empire Canyon - Park City Snowshoer 1

12/10/2004 1 Twin Lakes Pass Skier 1

12/11/2004 1 Trout Creek, Uintas Snowmobiler 1

12/11/2004 2 Mineral Fork Snowshoer 2

1/8/2005 1 Ephriam Canyon, Wstch Plt Snowboarder 1

1/8/2005 1 Choke Cherry, Wasatch Plt Snowmobiler 1

1/14/2005 1 Dutch's Draw Snowborder 1

3/31/2005 1 Eccles Peak, Monte Cristo Rg Snowmobiler 1

12/31/2005 1 Mt Timpanogos Snowshoer 1

3/11/2006 1 Taylor Canyon near Mt Ogden Snowboarder 1

4/3/2006 1 Pioneer Ridge near Brighton Snowboarder 1

2/17/2007 1 Signal Mountain, Sevier County Snowmobiler 1

2/17/2007 1 Tower M ountain, Uintas Snowmobiler 1

2/18/2007 1 Hell's Canyon-Ogden Mtns Skier 1

2/21/2007 1 Gobbler’s Knob, B.C.C. Skier 1

12/23/2007 1 Canyons Ski Resort Skier - inbounds 1

12/25/2007 1 Superbowl, Uintas Snowmobiler 1

12/31/2007 1 Co-op Creek, Uintas Snowmobiler 1

12/14/2008 1 Snowbird Ski Resort Skier - inbounds 1

12/24/2008 2 Logan Peak Snowmobilers 2

12/30/2008 1 Yamaha Hill Snowmobiler 1

Male Female Male & Female 1958 season - Present 40 5 14 19 12 5 1

Totals 91 5 96 Past 5 seasons 5 0 4 10 3 0 0

Percentage 94.8% 5.2% 100% Past 10 seasons 10 2 12 14 5 0 0
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

59 

U.S. Fatalities 2008-09 

 

Date Location State Description

18-Apr Thompson Pass AK 1 snowmobiler buried and killed

5-Apr

West Fork Norton Creek, 

northwest of Ketchum ID 1 snowmobiler buried and killed

25-Mar

Johnson Pass, Kenai 

Peninsula AK 1 snowmobiler buried and killed

7-Mar

Aneroid Basin, Eagle Cap 

Wilderness OR

3 skiers caught, 1 partially buried, one buried, one buried and 

killed

6-Mar

Gladiator Ridge, north of 

Sun Valley ID 1 skier caught, buried, and killed, 1 seriously injured

3-Mar Squaw Valley CA 1 ski patroller caught and killed on a control route

27-Feb North of Priest Lake ID 1 snowmobiler caught, buried, and killed

27-Feb

Indian Peak area, Sanke 

River Range WY

4 snowmobilers caught, 3 buried and killed, 1 partially buried 

and self-rescued

21-Feb Maggies Peaks CA 1 skier caught, buried, and killed

17-Jan Mount Jefferson MT 1 snowmobiler caught, buried, and killed

17-Jan Crown Butte MT 1 snowmobiler caught, buried, and killed

17-Jan Gravelly Range MT 1 snowmobiler caught, buried, and killed

2-Jan Near Cody WY 1 ice climber caught, died from trauma

30-Dec Rockford WA 1 resident buried and killed in roof avalanche

29-Dec

Yamaha Hill, western 

Uintas UT 1 snowmobiler caught, buried and killed

28-Dec

Tatie Peak, near Harts 

Pass WA 1 snowmobiler caught, buried and killed

27-Dec

Gravel Mountain, north of 

Granby CO 3 snowmobilers caught, 1 partially buried, 2 buried and killed

27-Dec Jackson Hole WY 2 inbounds skiers caught, 1 buried and killed

25-Dec Squaw Valley CA 1 inbounds skier caught, buried, and killed

24-Dec Logan Peak UT 2 snowmobilers caught, buried, and killed

17-Dec Northwest of Crested Butte CO 1 snowboarder caught, buried, and killed

14-Dec Near Aspen Ski Area CO 1 skier caught, buried, and killed

14-Dec Snowbird Ski Area UT 1 inbounds skier caught,
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

60 

U.S. Fatalities by Activity 2008-09 

Activity Fatalities

Skier 4

Snowboarder 1

Snowmobiler 16

Snowshoer/Climber/

Hiker 1

In bounds 

skier/boarder 3

Other 2

Total 27

Snowmobilers

42%

Skiers

29%

Snowboarders

12%

Misc Recreation

8%

Climbers

7%

Others at Work

0%

Residents

2%

Patrollers

0%

Motorists/Highway 

workers

0%

U.S. Avalanche Fatalities by Activity

Past 10 Seasons - 266 Total
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

61 

AK

14%

AZ

0%

CA

5%

CO

20%

ID

8%

MT

15%

NH

2%

NM

0%

NV

1%

NY

1%

OR

0%

UT

14%

WA

9%

WY

11%

U.S. Avalanche Fatalities by State

Past 10 years ending 2009

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

50's 60's 70's 80's 90's 00's

P

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U.S. Avalanche Fatalities by Decade

Climbers

Backcountry Skiers

Snowmobilers

Snowboarders

Ski Area Skiers
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

62 

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1

9

5

3

1

9

5

4

1

9

5

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Winter

U.S. Avalanche Fatalities 1953-2009

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1

9

5

1

1

9

5

2

1

9

5

3

1

9

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4

1

9

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5

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9

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6

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9

5

7

1

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8

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5

9

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9

6

0

1

9

6

1

1

9

6

2

1

9

6

3

1

9

6

4

1

9

6

5

1

9

6

6

1

9

6

7

1

9

6

8

1

9

6

9

1

9

7

0

1

9

7

1

1

9

7

2

1

9

7

3

1

9

7

4

1

9

7

5

1

9

7

6

1

9

7

7

1

9

7

8

1

9

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9

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9

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1

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8

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2

1

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3

1

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4

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Winter

Avalanche Fatalities in Utah 1951-2009
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

63 

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

Triggered Caught Partly Buried Totally Buried Killed

95.0

41.6

18.8 6.1 3.8

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Avalanche Incidents in Utah (past 10 years ending 2009)

Avalanches

64%

Lightning

23%

Flash Floods

13%

Utah Deaths by Natural Hazard

1/1/1995 - 5/1/2005
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

64 

Skier

23%

Climber

5%

Snow

boarder

28%

Snow

mobiler

32%

Other Recreation 

12%

Worker

0%

Resident

0%

Utah Avalanche Fatalities by Activity

Past 10 years ending 2009

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Nov Dec Jan Feb March April

Utah Fatalities by Month, 1989-1990 to 2008-2009
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

65 

Use and Need by Region 

 

We must always reevaluate our program to make sure we spend our limited resources wisely, especially how we allocate personnel and funding by region. It’s no secret that the Wasatch Range represents, by far, the largest use, the most incidents and most fatalities. But especially in the past 10 years, 

the more rural regions are catching up. 

 

We look very closely at four types of statistics: 1) avalanche incidents, 2) avalanche fatalities, 3) call 

counts and 4) advisory page view on the Internet. If the proportions between regions match the distribution of personnel and dollars by region, then our resource allocation is about right. Even so, we realize that the more rural areas get a higher proportion of funding than their need and use numbers 

would suggest (compare charts on the following pages with the budget chart on page 61). This is because the rural areas are a one-person operation and even the minimum program operation requires 

full time effort of at least one individual. 

 

The following graphs represent different ways to view need and use by region. They all seem to have 

more-or-less consistent proportions. By far, the highest need and use is in the Wasatch Range, followed by Logan and the western Uinta Mountains. Notably, Moab and the Manti Skyline lag far behind, 

but there may be an explanation for this.... 

 

Each kind of data has its strengths and weakness. Avalanche incidents are a wonderful indicator, but 

not all incidents are reported to the UAC. The Wasatch Range, used almost exclusively by nonmotorized recreationists, tend to report a relatively high proportion of their incidents. The more rural 

areas, on the other hand, are used almost exclusively by snowmobilers, who for whatever reasons, report their incidents less frequently. 

 

The fatality numbers are thankfully low enough that we don’t have enough sample points to give us an 

accurate picture. One large accident in one region can significantly skew the data. For instance, Moab 

had one accident with 4 fatalities in 1992 but none since then. 

 

The call counts are also problematic because the public can access the advisory using two or three different telephone services and it’s only possible to count calls on only one of them. We can count the 

calls on the statewide 888-999-4019, which is the number publicized on our web site and all our literature. The Utah State Parks hotline, however, does not provide call counts, and it is the one used primarily by snowmobilers, since it accompanies the grooming reports. This would explain the very low 

numbers for Manti Skyline on the 888-999-4019 line. Finally, in Moab, the advisory is still provided on 

a local phone number (which most locals reportedly use), which can’t be counted. This would explain 

the abysmally low numbers for Moab on the state-wide line. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

66 

Finally, the advisory page views on the web probably provide the most accurate number because most 

people use the web instead of the phone. However, our informal surveys indicate that snowmobilers 

tend to call instead of use the web because they drive longer distances and therefore often leave home 

too early for the web-based advisory, so they call when they near the trailhead. Still, the proportion of 

the advisory page views and the call counts are remarkably consistent, so perhaps the proportions are 

correct. 

 

 

 

 

Avalanche Fatalities by Forecast Region

10 Seasons - 1999-2000 to 2008-2009

Wasatch, 25

Logan, 2

W Uintas, 8

Manti Skyline, 2

Moab, 0

2008-09 Incidents by R egion 

Wa s a tch , 8 0

L o g a n , 1 4

W. U in ta , 1 3 Mo a b , 1

M a n ti S k ylin e , 

0

These are incidents 

of people unintentionally triggering 

avalanches in the 

backcountry. Avalanche incidents 

are a very good 

indicator of need. 

for avalanche services. However, the 

proportion of incidents reported are 

probably lower in 

rural areas as 

compared to the 

Wasatch Range.. 

The trouble with 

fatality numbers 

is that they are 

thankfully low, so 

they may not be 

statistically significant. In other 

words, one large 

accident in one 

region can skew 

the data. 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

67 

 2008-09 Call Counts by Region 

888-999-4019

Provo, 229

Manti, 123

Moab, 101

Ogden, 498

W. Uinta, 453

Logan, 1,087

Wasatch Early 

Morning, 2,083

Wasatch, 25,248

2008-09 Advisory Page Views by Region

Wasatch, 669,723

Moab, 9,360

Skyline, 3,278

Uinta, 24,046

Provo, 11,075

Ogden, 26,361

Logan, 34,848

These are the call 

counts to 888-

999-4019, which 

is the main, statewide number advertised on our 

web site and literature. However 

some people access the advisory 

using the State 

Parks hotline 

where call counts 

are not available. 

Also, in Moab, 

most people use 

the local number 

which can not be 

counted. 

Since most people 

use the Internet, 

page views of the 

advisory is probably the best indicator of use. 

However, snowmobilers headed 

to more rural 

areas tend to use 

the telephone 

more often so 

they may be underrepresented 

here . They can, 

however, access 

the advisory on 

their mobile devices., which 

would show up in 

these numbers. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

68 

Advisories 778,691 

Photos 89,456 

Weather 102,240 

Videos 46,089 

Accidents 41,834 

Avalanche 

List 28,406 

Education 30,669 

Maps 13,956 

Profiles 9,401 

 

 1,140,742 

Web Statistics 

 

We have a complex web site and gathering reliable statistics is not easy. During the 2008-09 season, 

we were in transition between our old web server at Avalanche.org and our new one, which operates 

on a Drupal system on a virtual server. In plain English, this means that we can get accurate statistics 

on our web use on the new web site but we have to use a different program to calculate the stats on 

the old web site, so it’s an apples and oranges situation. Photos are one of the most popular products 

on our web site and they most of them were stored on the old server. 

 

In past seasons, we received about 2.5 million page views per year from unique visitors, which is the 

most accurate way to measure web use. Some web sites list the number of hits, which is an inaccurate 

way to measure use because one click from a user to view a photo gallery (one page view) can generate perhaps one hundred hits. 

 

Next season, we plan to have our entire web site transferred to the new system and the statistics will 

be accurate. 

 

The following statistics for advisories include emailed advisories that were actually opened by the recipient (about half are opened). Photos are only those from our new server and do not include the 

majority of the photos from the old server, which would probably add another half million page views. 

The videos are all posted at YouTube and the view numbers come from them. 

 

 

Advisories

Photos 68%

8%

Weather

9%

Videos

4%

Accidents

4%

Avalanche 

List

2% Education

3%

Maps

1% Profiles

1%

Web Statistics
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

69 

Budget 

 

Budget shortfalls seem to be an annual event, especially in these more difficult economic times. During 

the 2008-09 season, we had an unexpected $30k shortfall from Utah State Parks for reasons that 

would glaze the eyes of all but the most hardened accountants and administrators. The short answer 

is that the fiscal year between the U.S. government does not match the fiscal year of the State government, and the billing for last season’s expenditures did not make it through the federal system in time. 

Thus, the difference had to be subtracted from this season’s funds. 

 

In the two months before the season began, we all scrambled to cut costs and personnel and also look 

for ways to make up the shortfall. Since the Utah State Parks fund the programs in Logan, the western 

Uintas and the Manti Skyline, we had to make cuts in the least used of those three programs, which is 

by far, Manti Skyline. But due to popular demand for even our least-utilized program, the Friends of 

the Utah Avalanche Center generously stepped up to the plate and extended Grant Helgason’s duties 

to do forecasting and education for the Skyline. 

 

On the positive side of the ledger, the Friends of UAC dipped into their rainy day fund and provided an 

extra 20k to keep the rest of the forecasters on a more normal schedule. The Forest Service Recreation Fees program contributed $12k to keep our seasonal, Brett Kobernik employed. As spring approached and we planned to shut down on April 1st, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest funded 

our staff to forecast until the end of April, which was necessary this season because of our very snowy 

spring, and finally, we were able to fund outreach and education developed during the summer. 

Through all of these generous efforts, we were able to make it through the season with the public noticing very little difference in services. 

 

The Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center is the epitome of a successful partnership program with 

over half of the funding coming from outside the Forest Service from other entities that benefit from 

our services. 

 

Finally, the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, a non-profit entity, spends funds in addition to what 

it donates to the Forest Service, These expenditures are not listed here because they are a separate 

entity. They fund the Know Before You Go avalanche education program, they fund a small stipend for 

our volunteer observers, teach avalanche classes, run the web site where most of our information is 

distributed to the public. 

 

 

 

 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

70 

Funding Source Statewide Amount 

Forest Service Regional Earmark (northern Utah) $45,000 

Forest Service Recreation Fee Program $12,000 

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (April forecasting and summer avalanche education and outreach projects) $60,000 

Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center $65,000 

Utah State Parks $50,000 

Utah Department of Public Safety $25,000 

Salt Lake County $22,500 

Total $294,500 

Forest Service Regional Earmark (Moab) $15,000 

2008-09 Statewide Budget

$294,500 Total

Forest Service Regional 

Earmark (northern 

Utah), $45,000 Forest Service Regional 

Earmark (Moab), 

$15,000 

Forest Service 

Recreation Fee 

Program, $12,000 

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache 

National Forest (April 

forecasting and summer 

avalanche education 

and outreach projects), 

$60,000 

Friends of the Utah 

Avalanche Center, 

$65,000 

Utah State Parks, 

$50,000 

Utah Department of 

Public Safety, $25,000 

Salt Lake County, 

$22,500 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

71 

Where the Money Goes by Region

 2008-09

Wasatch, 

200,000.00

Skyline, 6000 Moab, 14,800.00 w estern Unita, 

40,000.00

Logan, 40,000.00

This includes funds 

spent specifically on 

each region and does 

not included volunteer 

work. Nor does it include funds spent on 

web site or computer 

support for statewide 

infrastructure.. 
Annual Report 2008-09 Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center

72 

Partnerships & Sponsors 

 

Formal partners 

State of Utah, Natural Resources - Division of Parks & Recreation 

Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center 

National Weather Service 

Salt Lake County 

Utah Department of Public Safety 

 

 

Companies 

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. 

Uinta Brewing 

Utah State University 

Backcountry Access 

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue 

REI 

University of Utah 

Utah Snowmobile Association 

Backcountry.com 

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort 

Alta Ski Area 

Deer Valley Resort 

The Canyons 

Brighton Resort 

 

 

Individuals 

Steven Borst 

Bob Henderson 

Lynne and Curtis Kennedy 

The Byrne Family 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to make the Utah 

Avalanche Center possible. 

Ski Utah 

Friends of Alta 

Brewvies Cinema Pub 

Snowbird Renaissance Center 

FeedTheHabit.com 

Wasatch Mountain Club 

Xmission Internet 

Tri City Performance 

Polaris 

At Your Leisure 

Rocky Mountain Sledders 

Weller’s Recreation 

Ski-doo 

Big Pine Sports out of Fairview 

Teton Gravity Research 

UDOT Alta 

UDOT Big Cottonwood 

UDOT Provo 

Wasatch Powderbird Guides 
Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center Annual Report 2008-09 

73 

 

 

Professional Avalanche Workers 

An enormous thanks to all the professional avalanche workers throughout the state, from the 

ski resorts, highways and guide services, for their mountain weather, snowpack and avalanche 

information. The consistency, accuracy and honesty of their information are invaluable, as is 

their availability for discussions. The great teamwork among avalanche professionals in Utah 

is an important factor in helping us produce more timely and accurate forecasts. 

 

Alta Ski Area 

Beaver Mountain 

Brian Head Resort 

Brighton Resort 

Deer Valley Resort 

Diamond Peaks 

Nordic Valley 

Park City Mountain Resort 

Park City Powder Cats 

Powder Mountain 

Snowbasin Resort 

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort 

Solitude Resort 

Sundance 

Utah Mountain Adventures 

Wasatch Powderbird Guides 

 

The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center Endowment 

The FUAC Endowment is a newly formed donation and financial resource vehicle created by 

the FUAC to promote the long-term financial security of the Utah Avalanche Center. The FUAC 

Endowment seeks to raise a significant capital sum that will ultimately serve as a reliable and 

permanent financial resource on which the UAC can rely for decades. The Endowment is built 

by the generosity of the FUAC donors and corporate partners and is professionally managed 

currently by the Albion Financial Group. Endowment inquiries and donations can be directed 

to our partners the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center OR Scott Martin at (801) 201-1668 or 

shm@scmlaw.com. 

 

$1000+: 

Snow, Christensen & Martineau 

Dr. Robert G. and Susan Mossman 

 

$500 - $999: 

Barb Gander and Steve Keyser 

Scott and Veronique Markewitz 

Scott Martin and Rachel Sweet-Martin 

Marc and Charlene Wangsgard