2 Snowmobilers Killed in Separate Avalanches in Washington and Idaho This Weekend Two snowmobilers were killed in separate avalanche incidents on Friday, March 1, as heavy snow continued to fall on the west. Related: Head On A Swivel – Snowmobile Avalanche Awareness On March 1, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Law Enforcement received a call alerting them of a possible avalanche fatality in the southern Selkirk mountains, near the Pack River drainage, […] Avalanche AvyBrains | March 4, 2024 0 Comments
Washington Ski Area Introduces Lifetime Pass for Only $6,000 Loup Loup Ski Bowl, located in north central Washington, recently announced a new innovative lifetime season pass. The cost of the pass is a seducing $6,000. Along with other resorts throughout the country, the resort is experiencing a challenging snow year highlighted by warmer temperatures and less snowfall. Because of this, by offering the lucrative pass, it is hoping to […] Industry News Brent Thomas | February 22, 2024 0 Comments
Unprepared Solo Hiker Lucky to be Alive After Becoming Injured in -52ºF Wind Chill on Mount Washington, NH At approximately 11:50 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 22-year-old Cole Matthes of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was hiking in the Ammonusuc Ravine on Mount Washington when he fell and became injured. After the fall, Matthes called 911 and requested help. Due to poor reception, very little information could be obtained other than he had an injury and needed help. This call […] SnowBrains | February 21, 2024 0 Comments
2 Inbounds Avalanches Reported at Washington Ski Resorts On Sunday, January 28, two inbounds avalanches were triggered at Washington state ski resorts. One at Mission Ridge and the other at Stevens Pass. The avalanche at Mission Ridge happened on the Nertz run, which is accessed by the Wenatchee Express chair lift, also known as Chair 2. It appears it was human-triggered as three guests were in the area. […] Avalanche Brent Thomas | January 30, 2024 0 Comments
SnowBrains Podcast #58 | Harlan Sheppard – Alaska Heli-Ski Guide for 25-Years, Highway Avalanche Forecaster for Washington State, Hero’s Journey Mindfulness Advocate This episode of the SnowBrains podcast is brought to you by Club Med. My Guest Today is Harlan Sheppard: Harlan has been a heli-ski guide in Alaska for 25 years He’s also been a ski patroller at Stevens Pass, Washington Harlan is an avalanche course instructor He’s been working for the Washington Department of Transportation in the avalanche department for over […] Podcasts Podcast | January 24, 2024 0 Comments
3 Washington Ski Resorts Open This Week The 2023/24 season is in full swing with many ski resorts already open across the United States with more resorts not far behind. Christmas is less than two weeks away and it is crunch time for ski resorts trying to open before the busy holiday week. Ski resorts in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Rockies, and Pacific Southwest regions all have ski […] Industry News Gregg Frantz | December 13, 2023 0 Comments
Skier Rescued with Life Threatening Leg Injury from Avalanche at Mt Washington, NH A skier identified as Dominick Torro of Bow, New Hampshire, was skiing down “Airplane Gully” in the Great Gulf on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, with a friend when the duo triggered an avalanche on Saturday, December 9, 2023, around 11:35 a.m. According to a press release by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division, Torro suffered a life-threatening […] Industry News SnowBrains | December 12, 2023 0 Comments
Washington’s State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) Now Closed For Season Due to Avalanche Hazard The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced the seasonal closure of the North Cascades Highway, effective 6 pm Thursday, November 30, 2023. This preemptive move, a response to the incoming severe weather conditions, aims to safeguard travelers against the heightened risk of avalanches, expected due to the upcoming heavy snowfall and subsequent rains. “Nighty night, SR 20 North […] SnowBrains | December 1, 2023 0 Comments