Archive for avalanche control

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A Mountain of Work: The Legend of Montgomery Atwater

A Mountain of Work: The Legend of Montgomery Atwater

Snow and avalanches are an enduring part of the mountain environment that affects the livelihood of many operations throughout the world.  In the western hemisphere, the scientific study and monitoring of these little understood phenomena began in the small town of Alta, Utah.  Situated nine miles up a glacially carved canyon in the heart of the Wasatch […]

Road Warriors- UDOT's Avalanche Battle on Utah's Canyon Highways

Road Warriors- UDOT’s Avalanche Battle on Utah’s Canyon Highways

They call it the Red Snake. This crimson serpent is the dread of all skiers and snowboarders in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and has a cruel tendency of only emerging on epic days when perfect Utah snow falls on the Wasatch. Overnight storms bring powder hounds to the canyon bottom in droves, yet what they seek […]

Unsung Heroes- Inside the Utah Avalanche Center

Unsung Heroes- Inside the Utah Avalanche Center

“As long as it snows and blows in Utah, there will be avalanches.”  I am not sure who said this, but their wisdom resonates louder than their words ever could.  The combination of epic Utah terrain and copious amounts of annual snowfall, coupled with the fact that there are over a million people with easy […]

Taming the White Tiger

Taming the White Tiger

The History of Avalanche Control in Utah Into the predawn darkness they march. Packs loaded, they tiptoe along corniced ridges and wind-loaded slopes. Through this ominous landscape they continue on towards their goal. They are the avalanche hunters. All around them, hidden dangers lurk, ready to strike at any time and without notice. Their only […]