California Backcountry Report

We got the opportunity to sit down with Sierra Avalanche Center Forecaster Andy Anderson.  It was a good time learning a little more about the person who makes our forecast.  Then we dove into how the avalanche forecast is made and some of the challenges to forecasting in the Central Sierra.

Then we break down what's going on with this high pressure and what our chances are for getting snow.  Hint:  its not all doom and gloom.

CBR sits down with SWS Mountain Guides COO, David Cressman.  JB and Dave talk guiding, and skiing.  JB provides a weather report on a fast moving storm and the lads lament the lack of weather and snow.  Get psyched for corn skiing in January.

In this episode JB and Matt breakdown three different avalanche fatalities in three different parts of the country that all have one thing in common:  Terrain that was a consequence multiplier.

We also talk about the weather ahead and where you can find the best snow in the state.

The storms last week were a dud but this week a new low-pressure system is moving into the area and may prove to be a stud.  As a couple of feet of snow come into Northern California we know it will make for good skiing.  The real question is what will this new snow mean for the current weak layers in the snowpack.

As JB and Matt learn some new details about the fatality avalanche in Northern Idaho.  What was the weak layer in question and what can we take away from the incident.

Finally, we hit up the mailbag, and help with decision making and margin for error.

A jammed pack episode.  As the jet stream shifts to a more favorable position as a series of storms are bearing down the Sierra and Southern Cascades.  Matt and JB breakdown what some of the snow totals might look like as well as what this means for avalanche problems ahead.

Also, JB and Matt take a quick overview of three recent avalanches from out of state with updates on the fatalities in Idaho, and what can be learned from a near miss in Jackson Hole, Wy.

Get the low down and more.

Interview with IFMGA Guide Ryan Hütter

This week is a short episode due to the Christmas Holiday.  Get a breakdown of the snow conditions for the week ahead and what to expect for Christmas and the New Year.  Listen and learn.

Utah has its first avalanche fatality of the year and there are some valuable lessons to be learned.

We break down the next round of weather coming in.  Who will get the most snow, and how to approach some of the persistent weak layers in the snow.  This episode contains a lot of information on a variety of topics.  Listen and learn.

Our first Avalanche Breakdown of the season.  JB breaks down two avalanche burials, one in Colorado, and one in the Tahoe area.

In this episode JB discusses the Atmospheric River forecast Friday 12/06 - Sunday 12/08.