Welcome to my annual refresher about Backcountry Avalanche Awareness 2023/2024. I am no subject matter expert, but Stella and I are always eager to explore new terrain in search of an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Thus, when you leave the cozy confines of the groomed trails at the ski resorts/nordic centers, you must understand your environment and … Continue reading Backcountry Avalanche Awareness 2023/2024
We’re better than ever at understanding the dangers of avalanches. So why can’t we avoid them? Kate Siber/High Country News All morning, I’d heard the roar of sloughs rocketing down cliffs as I skied up a mountain in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Now, standing at the summit with my six friends and our two guides, … Continue reading Can human judgment handle avalanches?
A view of Barry Arm in which the receding Barry Glacier and the vulnerable section of land are visible on the right side of the image. Photo courtesy Dr. Gabriel Wolken As glaciers retreat and permafrost thaws, massive landslides threaten coastal communities. Victoria Peterson/High Country News Tucked against glacier-capped mountains, the Begich Towers loom over Whittier, … Continue reading CLIMATE CHANGE INTENSIFIES TSUNAMI THREAT IN ALASKA