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2025 Archive Index - All Editions

Skier injured in avalanche on Park City Ridgeline

Thursday morning, a skier was caught and carried in an avalanche at Katie’s, a popular backcountry skiing area in South Monitor. The skier, who was with two companions, was able to self-rescue and get out of the area safely. Thursday’s avalanche forecast in the Salt Lake area warned of moderate conditions with the possibility of triggering stiff, hard slabs of wind drifted snow in avalanche terrain. Katie’s is a high elevation, north-facing slope of 38 degrees. 

The party of three had come up to Katie’s from Big Cottonwood Canyon, and one was caught, carried and lost gear. Unreported injuries were sustained and the party called 911, which activated ski patrol from Park City Mountain, as well as a Life Flight helicopter. The skiers were ultimately able to self-rescue.
More ... (The Park Record)

ARVA Issues Voluntary Recall of Avalanche Beacon

ARVA has announced a voluntary recall of its NEO BT PRO avalanche beacons due to a critical defect that could compromise user safety. The company identified an electrical component malfunction that may cause abnormal battery consumption, leading the device to unexpectedly restart. This issue disables the beacon’s critical transmission and search functions, which are essential in avalanche rescue situations. In a statement, ARVA emphasized that the recall applies exclusively to the NEO BT PRO model and reassured customers that no accidents or injuries have been reported related to the defect. The company urged all NEO BT PRO owners to immediately stop using the device and follow the return instructions provided on its website or through local customer service channels.
More ... (SnowBrains)

Swiss alps face shortage of avalanche dog handlers

In Siviez in the Swiss canton of Valais, only about 20 mountain enthusiasts took the avalanche dog handler training course last week. There are around 50 such handlers in Valais today – some 30% fewer than 20 years ago.

“You have be available to go into rescue work,” Yvan Morath, head of training for the French-speaking part of Valais, said. “People prefer to do something else.” Participants also have to be flexible. “You have to commit yourself, attend compulsory training sessions and cantonal courses,” Morath said. Those interested in taking the course must also have a dog of a certain build as well as pass an entry test to meet certain requirements. Rescue dog handlers must also have an “excellent relation” with their animal, as well as be in good physical condition. “We often work in fairly steep, high-altitude environments,” explained Marmy.

To become fully operational, the course must be taken several days a week for three years. “In the third year, a “C” permit is granted to people who thus become confirmed handlers,” said Marmy. “These people will then be able to manage the safety aspects as well as their dog, have a global vision and organise an avalanche rescue operation.”
More ... (SwissInfo)

Six cars and minibus in avalanche on Too-Ashuu Pass

Six cars and a minibus were covered by an avalanche on Too-Ashuu Pass yesterday evening. The Minister of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan Boobek Azhikeev reported. Rescuers pulled four people out of the car, which was completely buried under the snow. One of the passengers was unconscious and was quickly taken to the hospital.
More ... (24.kg)

Essential Reading: Fatal Avalanches in the US, 2023-2024

Every year a multitude of people venture out into the snow to go snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or climbing. Many are not fully informed of the dangers and the necessary risk management practices. This book, the third in the series, sheds light on last season’s fatalities and what went wrong in order to help others learn and improve their own margin of safety. It reviews the 16 avalanche fatalities between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024 in clear terms with simple and clear snowpack diagrams and no technical obfuscation. The focus is on understanding what went wrong and how risk management could have been improved. Available on Amazon.
More ... (PR*Urgent)