As skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts alike prepare for a season full of outdoor recreation, the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center is providing a training on the dangers of avalanches at the PC MARC tomorrow evening at 6:00.
Bo Torrey Program Manager with the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center says that education about the dangers of avalanches is not just for back country skiers.
“This program started here in Utah back in 2004. People may remember back around Christmas there was a pretty tragic fatality that happened down Mt. Timpanogos in the Provo area. Our forecast team kind of looked around and Craig Gordon came up with this fantastic idea, let’s educate the masses. People who live on the coastline, they learn about ocean currents and rip tides. So, lets take that same model, that same concept, and bring it to the mountain.”
The Know Before You Go presentation will start with a 15-minute video.
“If you live close to snow covered mountains you need to know about avalanches it really just goes with the territory.” Professional Snowboarder Travis Rice says in the video.
Outdoor enthusiast Alex Do also recounts the death of his friend in an avalanche accident. “Some of the medical staff-initiated CPR but about 40 minutes after the avalanche had occurred, they had ruled his time of death. After the accident, when we were driving home, I thought those three turns, that wasn’t worth it.”
Following the video, the group will present a 40-minute PowerPoint with 30 minutes of Q&A to follow.
“It’s a program designed for the masses. People who live near the mountains. You don’t necessarily need to be a backcountry skier, or snowmobiler, snowshoer. It can be someone out walking their dog. This presentation it gives you just enough information to realize when you’re putting yourself in harm’s way”
Torrey says visiting their website UtahAvalncheCenter.org is a great place to start. He recommends that those age 12 and older see the presentation. The program is free, and Torrey says that any group that wants to have the program shown can contact Know Before You Go through their website to set a presentation up.
