At the 2016 International Snow Science Workshop, Backcountry Access’ Bruce Edgerly and Telluride’s Matt Steen presented their White Paper on utilizing common radio channels in high-use avalanche terrain.

The paper uses data collected by the Telluride Mountain Club in the spring of 2016. Thanks to everyone who supplied information during our backcountry radios survey. Additionally, a big thanks to everyone who uses radios in the backcountry, progressing safety in our regional terrain. TMtC would also like to thank the team at Jagged Edge Mountain Gear for suppling radios to our members at a discount and Backcountry Access for contributing to the white paper.

UTILIZING COMMON RADIO CHANNELS IN HIGH-USE AVALANCHE TERRAIN INTERNATIONAL SNOW SCIENCE WORKSHOP 2016 IN BRECKENRIDGE, CO

ABSTRACT: Winter backcountry travel is increasingly more popular, especially adjacent to ski areas and common-use trailheads. The increase of winter recreation use in these frequently traveled and avalanche prone areas creates a need for advanced communication. Thought out and clear communication can aid in avalanche prevention, rescue response and safety. Communication is important between partners, with parties using the same areas and in certain cases, professionals. Over the course of the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 winter seasons, the Telluride backcountry community tested the use of common backcountry radio channels to increase and streamline communication in their high-use areas. This program has proven beneficial in the effectiveness to communicate in high-use areas. We have compiled stories and survey results to prove that advanced communication in high-use avalanche terrain should be considered in various ski communities around the world.

Read the Backcountry Radio White Paper here.