News: Utah Snow And Avalanche Workshop Pro Session Nov. 3

Utah Snow And Avalanche Workshop Pro Session This Saturday, November 3

Location: SouthTowne Exposition Center, 9575 South State Street, Sandy, UT
See map: Google Maps
Time: Saturday, November 3, 2012 - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $41.00

Join the Utah Snow and Avalanche Center on Saturday, Nov 3, 2012, at the South Towne Center in Sandy for the 4th annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop. 

Avalanche professionals from around the west will gather to talk about avalanche issues and share knowledge, including latest information from the International Snow Science Workshop in Anchorage.  As in previous years, they will begin the day with a morning pro-only session to discuss the issues we work with.  Lunch will be provided and the afternoon will be open to the public, with more focus on backcountry and recreationist issues. The day will end with a happy hour social.  Once again, sponsors have provided a swag bag filled with goodies and discounts for those who preregister. 

Buy your tickets online to save a few bucks and some time getting in.  Tickets at the door will be $45.

Note:  The morning session is for those working in the avalanche field only.  Please be prepared to show a business card, pay stub, note from your patrol director, or some other proof of professional status.  If you are a recreational user, please join us for the open afternoon session.

Agenda:

08:00-08:05 Welcome

08:05-08:25 ISSW Update- Bruce Tremper
The Cliff’s Notes version of ISSW

08:30-08:50 In Area Close Call- Kellie Hunsaker/Eric Murakami
Insight to a close call through the eyes of a veteran patroller

08:55-09:15 The Effectiveness of Boot Packing for Snowpack Stabilization- Matt Wieland
This project compares a boot packed study area vs. a non boot packed study area for changes in layer density, hand hardness and ECT scores over the course of a winter in south west Montana.

09:20-09:30 - Avalanche Warning on a Sunny Day- Drew Hardesty
Case study of Sunday March 4, 2011. All the natural and human triggered slides that stemmed from Heat/Solar Radiation induced deformation on a conditionally unstable snowpack

09:35-09:55 Bridger Bowl Wet Slab Cycle- Pete Maleski, Bridger Bowl Snow Safety

10:00-10:20 Comparing Stream Flow and Wet Slab Activity- Mark Saurer
An update from ISSW and lessons learned from past events

10:20-10:35 Break

10:40-11:00 Guiding in Terrain With Persistent and Deep Slab Instabilities- Johnathon Spitzer
An overview of Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski Operations

11:05-11:25 Idaho Transportation Dept. Avalanche Mitigation Program- Chantel Astorga
A history and overview of the Avalanche Mitigation Program on SH21 and US12

11:30-11:50 Little Cottonwood Canyon Gaz Ex Project- UDOT
Project update on Gaz-Ex installation in LCC and future sites

11:50-13:00 Lunch

13:00-16:00 Public Session

13:00-13:05 Welcome

13:10-13:20 Utah Winter Review 2011-12
A look back at the events that shaped the winter of 2011-12

13:25-13:45 Nov. 13th in Upper Little Cottonwood Canyon- Gabe Garcia, Brett Kobernik
Review of how things went haywire

13:50-14:10 Taylor Mountain Wyoming- Bob Comey
A Close Call in the Tetons with the potential for multiple deaths… what did we learn?

14:15-14:35 Jan. 29th Accident on Kessler Peak- Josh Anderson
A rescuers viewpoint

14:40-15:00 Information Overload- Jake Hutchinson
More than ever before, today's backcountry user has a wealth of info at their fingertips. How to filter out the noise and focus on the important stuff influencing your go/no go decision.

15:00-15:15 Break

15:20-15:40 Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money-Rich Mrazik
Backcountry Litigation Issues

15:45-16:55 Backcountry Roundtable-UAC, UDOT, Teton Pass, Red Mtn. Pass, Galena Summit
An open discussion focusing on how the professional avalanche and backcountry communities can communicate more effectively

17:00-17:30 Mistakes Revisited- 18 Years Later - Doug Richmond
Common mistakes made by avy professionals

17:30-18:30 Social in the main foyer of the South Town Expo Center… woohoo!