Mt. Taylor slide sparks frontcountry protocol review
At the heart of the conversation is the use of some active slope tests--ski/slope cutting or cornice chopping--sometimes considered appropriate protocol for testing a slope’s stability in the backcountry. What this discussion has exposed is that several areas in and around Jackson, and Teton Pass specifically, can now be considered what the Forest Service is referring to as Frontcountry.
Frontcountry is a true, wild backcountry area that sees heavy use because of a proximity to populated areas and is an area that is easy to access. Frontcountry presents a unique combination of a real alpine, high risk, high penalty experience with high use and visitation. Because of these unique dynamics it’s important to consider adjusting our traditional backcountry thinking and activities.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts on protocol with regards to active testing techniques on Teton Pass.
While active testing is definitely the sexiest of tests, consider all the other resources at your disposal before cutting a slope, including:
- Study the Bridger Teton National Forest avalanche report;
- take the extra 20 minutes to dig your own pit and get intimately familiar with the layers within the snowpack;
- pay attention to results from any recent gas-ex events;
- and, stay alert to the environment you are skiing in, including:
- - Changes in the weather and acute temperature swings
- - How quickly tracks are filling in
- - A ski pole test to feel for layers
- - How much snow is on and around trees
- - Affects of wind events on the terrain
If you do decide to conduct an active test, make sure to consider the following:
- Be absolutely certain that no one is below you
- Make sure that there is a visible run-out path
- Avoid testing on any slope when there is a road below. That’s WYDOT territory.
- Look for small testing areas (small slopes, small cornices) instead of big ones
- Finally if you still feel like you have to test the slope, consider skiing another slope altogether.
Remember, slopes behave differently when they are tested than when they are skied. An upper slope ski cut or cornice drop provides much more impact to a slope than a fall line ski track. Just because a slope has been skied doesn’t mean it won’t release with an active test.
By keeping these guidelines top-of-mind, we can all help reduce the risk of similar episodes. Friends of Pathways will try to post timely reports of any larger snow events on the Pass message boards when they occur.
- JP
Last week’s avalanche on Mt. Taylor’s East Face into the Coal Creek drainage has triggered its own avalanche of discussion and opinions on proper snow and slope safety etiquette. 
