Avalanche
Cyrstal Mountain, WA is pressing for charges against two skiers who “poached” powder from a closed area on the mountain this week. It is the first time that Crystal has pursued charges since a 2011 law making it a misdemeanor to ski closed terrain within boundaries. The skiers are facing fines of $1,000, but are lucky to have escaped unscathed.
The skiers narrowly avoided two bombs and subsequent avalanches set off by patrol as they prepared to open Southback, the area in question. The skiers were not named, but the resort has stated that one was an employee who has been fired.
Ski Patrol director Kim Kircher wants skiers to know that the resort is serious about closures. Oftentimes terrain is closed not just because of natural avalanche danger, but because ski patrol is actively bombing slopes.
