bə-lō'nē mō'gəls(n.pl.) 1. A group of drinkers with a shredding problem. 2. The combination of snow, booze, and metal.

1.09.2009

Avalanche Update (Or How Lightning Can't Strike Twice... Right?)

What is described as: "a war zone." What people are saying "may require government action." Where has there been " uncommonly widespread conditions of instability, wreaking havoc?" Is it Iraq? Afghanistan? No, it is of course the most metal of areas: OUT WEST.

NYTimes has a sick piece describing the dire conditions at many of the resorts out west because of such epic dumpings of snow leading to record levels of avalanche outbreaks, which have been both lethal and destructive.

And just in case we thought rescue would save us or investment in a transceiver would help, "The Teton County Sheriff’s Department reminded the public last week — for the first time in its 17-year history — that search and rescue may be significantly delayed or unable to respond to backcountry incidents because of heightened avalanche hazards."

I couldn't help but notice this quote: "Avalanches in in-bounds areas have led to deaths of skiers at Squaw Valley in California, at Snowbird in Utah and at Jackson Hole. It is the most in-bound deaths in one season since three skiers were killed in a single avalanche at Alpine Meadows in 1976."

So that's right, 2 out of the 3 mountains that have had lethal avalanches, are both spots that Boloney will be ridding next weekend and in March. In discussing this with Dong Stoole, I think he is exactly on target with these sentiments. Of course the only rational response is to: "get to squaw."

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