2011, by AlpineAmbitions

“Peak a Week” is a Skiing the Backcountry exclusive series. Hosted by Donny Roth, owner of Alpine Ambitions, the idea is to provide some insight into the process of backcountry skiing. Each episode will feature a new mountain and a new guest. There will always be an educational element that highlights a critical piece of the day. There will be no daring feats of stunning athleticism. Rather, it is meant to inspire the average recreational skier to get into the backcountry.

Recently, while passing through Wyoming, I spent a day skiing on Teton Pass. It was a stormy day with moderate snowfall and strong winds. The avalanche danger had been creeping up for a few days, but on this day it had its foot to the floor and was in the express lane to high danger. Teton Pass allows for extremely quick access to the backcountry. With almost no effort – and certainly without any skill – one can be in avalanche terrain in no time flat. It’s a blessing and a curse.

Talking with people at the coffee shop and the trailhead made me think of the common heuristic methods often employed to make decisions about where we ski. What is a heuristic method?

Heuristics refers to experience-based techniques for problem solving, learning and discovery. Often, while using heuristic methods the “correct” solution is found. However, heuristics can lead to trouble because they do not factor in actual, real-time data about present conditions and avalanche hazard.

Skiing in places like Teton Pass, Berthoud Pass, and the Wasatch of Utah remind me of the common heuristic traps because there are so many people with whom to talk while touring. It can be a good idea to share information with other parties – but often the information isn’t actually worth too much. It’s common to hear assessments of conditions or tactics that are not actually helpful. It’s critical that we do our best to make observations based on data.

Here are some common statements that represent classic examples of heuristic solutions to the ages-old question of “Is it safe?”

“There are tracks in it, so it must be okay to ski.”

This is one of the most common methods of problem solving in the backcountry. The problem is that all you know is that the first skiers didn’t find the trigger point. Maybe there isn’t a weakness. Or maybe nobody has hit it. There are hundreds of stories of avalanches releasing after many skiers have skied the slope. Every avalanche needs a trigger. What will you do to make sure you’re not it?

“I’ve never seen that slope slide.”

Why? Is it not steep enough? Is it too densely forested? Or have you not been there enough? Historical data is extremely important, but everyday is a new day. If a slope really hasn’t ever slid there will be measurable reasons for it. Search for this data and make your decision based on science – not stories.

“I ski this run all the time.” Or, “My friend skied this slope a few days ago.”

Conditions change quickly in the mountains. Just because a slope has been safe recently doesn’t mean it’s safe today. This is the time to consult the avalanche report and consider the recent weather. Has the hazard increased or decreased?

“The guys that ski this regularly really know what they are doing.”

Following experts is tricky. While they might have actually made sound, skilled decisions, it doesn’t mean they are easily copied. Small changes in path or timing can have dramatic effects. Beyond that, do you really know that it was the experts putting in the track? Beyond that, do you know they were on their game that day? Don’t put your life in someone else’s hand – especially a person you can’t have a discussion with along the way.

All of the quotes above can actually be useful information. Don’t disregard these types of observations. But keep them as just that – observations. These observations are often great conversation starters. Being willing to ask “why?” Then search for hard data that informs you of the actual, current conditions.

Rolling the dice, even with historically good results at the table, is still gambling. This is a game that is terrible to lose.

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