20230315 PCM Avalanche essay – The Park Record
April 5, 2023
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. A dark and snowy commute to work for Snow Safety Manager Andy Van Houten on his way to checkin with his team assembling the exposives for the day. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister is Alex Tierney on the left and Brett Jeppesen on the right. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister is Andy Van Houten, Alex Tierney, and Brett Jeppesen. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister and lashing two cannisters together is Brett Jeppesen. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister is Alex Tierney on the left and Brett Jeppesen on the right. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Assembling the explosives, adding the fuse cord to each cannister is Alex Tierney on the left and Brett Jeppesen on the right. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. A dark and snowy commute to work for Snow Safety Manager Andy Van Houten on his way to checkin with his team assembling the exposives for the day. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Adam Davis (lower right) is giving the weather breifing for the morning meeting for the mitigation team. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Patroller Alec Kipnes taking notes in the morning meeting for the mitigation team. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Charlie Jakubowski taking notes next to the warm fire during the morning meeting for the mitigation team. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. The morning meeting for the mitigation team. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Snow Safety Manager Andy Van Houten adresses the team on the day's plan. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Checking the weather in the region. On this day there was a storm passing along the Wastach Back with a very high moisture content raising the risk of avalanches. Also of concern to the team was numerous lightning strikes near the Salt Lake City airport. Tom Franco working the computer and his phone for the latest weather information. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. The team heads out from Summit House Patrol building. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten, Snow Safety Manager and patroller Lianna Phillips ride up McConkey's Express with packs full of explosives. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten, Snow Safety Manager and patroller Lianna Phillips ride up McConkey's Express with packs full of explosives. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager prepares a double cannister bomb at the top of McConkeys peak. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager chucks a bomb over an overniight cornice at the top of McConkeys Bowl. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager chucks a bomb over an overniight cornice at the top of McConkeys bowl. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager chucks a bomb over an overniight cornice at the top of McConkeys Bowl. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager and Patroller Liana Phillips check the results of explosion just below the cornice they are standing on. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager and Patroller Liana Phillips prepare another charge in blizzard conditions. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager and Patroller Liana Phillips prepare another charge. Andy strikes the igniter which will trigger the explosion in 120 seconds. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager chucks another "shot" down a steep face near McConkeys Bowl. Patroller Liana Phillips starts a stop watch counting down the 120 seconds before it blows. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten Snow Safety Manager and Patroller Liana Phillips cover their ears as a "shot" explodes just 40 feet down hill from where they are standing. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten cuts across a slope on his skis checking the stability of a slope. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Andy Van Houten cuts across a slope on his skis checking the stability of a slope. Patroller Liana Phillips watches over him and takes note of the snow conditions. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. In brutal winter conditions, patroller Liana Phillips prepares to start down a slope cutting across the run, checking fro snow pack stability. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. In brutal winter conditions, patroller Liana Phillips prepares to start down a slope cutting across the run, checking fro snow pack stability. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Patroller Liana Phillips chucks another "shot" downhill with Snow Safety Manager Andy Van Houten to her right. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. A bomb or "shot" as the patrollers say, explodes on a slope off McKonkeys Express. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. A bomb or "shot" as the patrollers say, explodes on a slope in McConkeys Bowl. You can see in the lower right of this picture the fractures or cracks forming as a result of the explosion. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. A bomb or "shot" as the patrollers say, explodes on a slope in McConkeys Bowl. You can see in the lower right of this picture the fractures or cracks forming as a result of the explosion. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. This small slide triggered in bounds by the patrollers is about a foot to two feet deep and certainly would have been triggered by a recreational skier had this charge not been set-off. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. This small slide triggered in bounds by the patrollers is about a foot to two feet deep and certainly would have been triggered by a recreational skier had this charge not been set-off. Here the two patrollers are checking the stability of the slope after the slide has released downhill. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. The patrollers check the stability after an explosion and slide. This small slide triggered in bounds by the patrollers is about a foot to two feet deep and certainly would have been triggered by a recreational skier had this charge not been set-off. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Another bomb or "shot" is chucked downhill in the hopes of freeing unstable snow and protecting the public on in-bounds slopes. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
The seasonal snowfall for the Park City Ridge will eclipse 500" at some point this spring, an amazing number. On those snow days the Park City Mountain Patrol team are up very early to clear any avalanche danger that might exist on the in-bounds terrain. For residents along the Wasatch back that means 100s of explosions can be heard all day long on a heavy snow day. Another bomb or "shot" is chucked downhill in the hopes of freeing unstable snow and protecting the public on in-bounds slopes. David Jackson/Park Record ( PCM Avalanche 2023 )
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