On Dec. 11, a friend and I attended a slide show and lecture by Craig Gordon about the state of the Utah snowpack. His talk was about the evolution of our snowpack and how crusts can create weak layers that can fail and avalanche.
Throughout the lecture, Craig’s passion for skiing and snow safety was evident.
What I was most taken by was the dedication that Craig and his fellow forecasters at the Utah Avalanche Center have for keeping us backcountry users safe. They work every day to update the avalanche conditions across our state with their forecasts. Their work includes not only the forecasts, but, dozens of lectures to school kids and adults like the one we attended to get the word out.
The number of backcountry users in Utah is in the thousands across the state. Imagine what would happen without the UAC forecasts and educational programs spreading the knowledge.
Thanks to all the UAC forecasters for their efforts. Their diligence and dedication has with no doubt, saved lives.
David Shank, Park City