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Making Tracks in Snowmachiner Education
THE
A Publication of the American Avalanche Association
www.AmericanAvalancheAssociation.org
VOLUME 24, NO. 2 DECEMBER 2005
US $4.95
REVIEW
In This Issue
From the AAA
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2
From the Editor
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2
Metamorphism
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2
Membership Application How-To
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3
Whats New
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4
Media
TAR Digital Photo Submission Guidelines
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6
Photo Contest
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6
Snow Science
Risk of Avalanche Exposure
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7
Anchors and Islands
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8
Judgment and Decision-making, Part I
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9
SnowPilot
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12
SnowPro Lemons
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13
SnowPro Tips
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14
Crown Profiles
Recco History
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15
Education
Riders in the Storm

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Snowmobiler Education
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18
E
ach year Im involved it becomes more apparent.
If you are going to provide avalanche programs to
snowmobilers, you have to be sincere and credible.
If you feel strongly that snowmobiles do not belong
on public lands, dont even try to run classes. Now
this doesnt mean you cant have some differences
of opinion, but if you constantly make derogatory
comments about Budweiser-drinking, good ol boy
snowmobilers, you need to find someone else to do
your job. Some of the finest humans, the greatest
athletes and the most backcountry savvy people I
know happen to be avid snowmobilers. This doesnt
mean there wont be some tough nuts out there, but
just remember were all human.
It is also essential to get out and ride. You dont have
to be a star. If you give it your best shot its surprising
how many riders will teach you some tricks and help
you when youre stuck. I was reminded of learning to
kayak when everyone helps a swimmer and collects
the pieces. Be honest, if you are not an experienced
rider you wont fool anyone once you unload your
sled in the parking lot.
I had an interesting experience last winter. The
Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center faced its
second snowmobile avalanche fatality in two years.
The victim was a well-loved member of the local
community. He grew up in town. He was a father, a
husband, and a son. He made a tragically poor choice
that day. How many of us have made similar choices
and gotten away with it?
The day after Boes memorial service, a local group
of riders asked the avalanche center to go out to the
accident site with them to get a better understanding
of what happened and to say goodbye to Boe in a
place he loved.
I felt tongue tied in the parking lot; I knew the words
I spoke would start the day. Many things had been
said around town since the accident, some of them
very harsh and cruel. I took a big breath and looked
around. I am so very, very sorry about losing Boe.
What I want to tell you today is what the avalanche
center is about. First of all, we are not about criticism
or judgment or blame. We are here to support you in
the good times and the tough times. Right now is a
very tough time, and were here to help.
That is the bottom line. Ask yourself, Do I want to
help? Then ask the snowmobilers what they would
like to learndont tell them what you think they
need. Have some patience and faith in the process.
Youll be rewarded with a great response.
Janet Kellam, Director,
Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center
If you dont ride a sled,
you aint gonna have
any cred.

Craig Gordon
Riders in the Storm, pg 17
Hill climbing, the sport of roaring powerful
snowmachines up steep mountainsides, is now
made possible even on the stock machines sold
by the thousands throughout the Intermountain
West. As snowmachine technology outpaces
riders' avalanche awareness, increasing numbers
of recreational riders travel into avalanche terrain
completely unaware of their peril. Until avalanche
education reaches this at-risk population, more
and more snowmachiners will simply not be
returning from their backcountry outings.
Photo by Toby Weed
Making Tracks in
Snowmachiner
Education u
PAGE 2
THE AVALANCHE REVIEW
VOL. 24, NO. 2, DECEMBER 2005
THE
REVIEW
DECEMBER 2005 VOL. 24 NUMBER 2
The Avalanche Review is published each fall through
spring by the American Avalanche Association, Inc., a non-
profit corporation. The Avalanche Review welcomes the
submission of articles, photographs and illustrations.
Please send submissions to:
Lynne Wolfe Editor
PO Box 1135
Driggs, Idaho 83422
tel: (208) 709-4073
lwolfe@tetontel.com
Advertising:
Marcia LeMire
P.O. Box 1400
Jackson, WY 83001
tel: (208) 787-2223
fax: (307) 733-5916
mlemire@tetontel.com
Business and Subscription Office:
Mark Mueller AAA Executive Director
P.O.Box 2831
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
tel: (970) 946-0822
fax: (970) 731-2486
aaa@avalanche.org
from the executive director
Production:
Fall Line Design
76 N Main, Suite 208
Driggs, ID 83422
tel/fax: (208) 354-6500
karen@FallLineDesign.com
F
all is a great season. The anticipation of winter can
surpass the actual thing. Thinking of deep snowfalls,
big avalanches, and powder. During winter it can all
pass in such a blur. The rituals of autumn: ski magazines,
weather station installations, pre-season meetings where
we again connect with our soul sisters and brothers. Ah,
another season of possibilities.
Looking back at the last year at AAA, we continue to
advance our goals and objectives. Over the summer, Don
Sharaf and the Education Committee have developed the
AAA Professional Avalanche Worker School, explained in
the last issue of TAR (vol. 24, no. 1). We look forward to this
program becoming a staple of educational opportunities
offered by AAA. In the one year that Snow, Weather, and
Avalanche Observation Guidelines
(affectionately known
as SWAG) has been in print, 1200 copies have circulated
into the snow and avalanche world necessitating another
printing this summer. The widespread acceptance of this,
our first publication, is very gratifying. The sales have
also benefited the AAA bank account.
Speaking of the bank account, its time for my annual
appeal for membership development. The primary source
of revenue for AAA is membership dues, which fund
everything from production of The Avalanche Review (our
primary product and reason for being) to fees for lawyers and
accountants. Yes, we are big enough now to need lawyers and
accountants. Weve been able to hold the membership dues
at their current level for 10 years now; at this point in time
there is no push to raise dues. We would like to continue to
increase our membership and thereby our working capital.
Benefits of membership include receiving our ever-improving
The Avalanche Review
, the Membership Directory for Pro
and Affiliate members, and discounts on SWAG and the
new Professional Avalanche Worker School. But really, as
a member you are giving as much as you are getting. Your
dues further our goals as an organization to be the voice and
instrument of the American snow and avalanche profession.
A small profession perhaps, but a compelling one with many
dedicated adherents. Many of us feel that way. If you do too,
please spread the word and help us grow AAA.
At this time it is appropriate to acknowledge the Lifetime
Membership of Gary Kuehn, a guide from Wanaka, New
Zealand. Lifetime Membership represents a significant
financi