Before I leave for a ski day at the resort, I chant a checklist. If I don't, I might get to the front of the tram line, reach for my ski pass, and find that it isn't there because I left it hanging by the door where I couldn't possibly forget it. So, I chant. "Skis, boots, poles," pause, "hat, gloves, goggles," pause, "sunglasses, sunscreen," pause, then finally, "ski pass." I repeat this litany over and over again until I have everything. Then‹and only then‹I leave the house.

My backcountry chant starts off the same way, but instead of "ski pass," I say, "Pieps, probes," pause, "shovel, skins," pause "food, water, first aid," and if I'm really going for it, I finish with, "space blanket, down coat, matches, compass," and, since I have one, "cell phone."

Chant length notwithstanding, backcountry skiing obviously involves more preparation than does resort skiing. But the real prep-work begins with learning how to stay out of trouble, and what to do if trouble finds you anyway. Like how to use a transceiver, conduct a search, and the other equipment and protocol used in the event of an avalanche burial.

No backcountry skier should be without this equipment and knowledge. Most backcountry guide services offer avalanche clinics. Talk to the local outdoor shops to find out what they sell and what clinics are offered.

A few general tips to help keep you, and those around you, out of trouble:

• Check weather and avalanche forecasts (see facing page).
• Don't ski suspect slopes.
• If you do ski a suspect slope, know the forecast extent of a possible avalanche and have an exit strategy for such an event.
• Don't ski alone.
• Know where you are going:
  ­Never determine your route by following other people's tracks
  (local extreme skiers often leave tracks in ski-to-die places).
  ­Do not trespass on private property.
• Ski slopes one at a time and spot one another.
• Don't ski above other parties! Give them time to reach a safe zone before you begin your run.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return; then check back in to avoid false alarms.
• Listen to your instincts, use good judgment, and be prudent.  

Avalanche Hazard & Weather Lab

Everyday at 5 a.m., from mid-November to April's end, the avalanche hazard forecasters for the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) head to a laboratory in Teton Village and begin a scientific process that results in the region's daily avalanche hazard forecast.

First, they check the meteorological data that is downloaded onto computers at five-minute intervals, 24 hours a day, from seven weather stations (also called study plots) positioned strategically at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). Instrumentation at these study plots includes total-snow-depth sensors, humidity gauges, thermometers, tipping rain gauges (measures water content of snow), 24-hour snowboards, and anemometers (measures wind speed and direction).

Next, the forecasters send the data to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Riverton, Wyoming, where other forecasters process it and send back a local weather forecast within half an hour.

Meanwhile, the BTNF folks check the reported observations on avalanche activity that have been phoned, faxed, and e-mailed to the lab by the skiing public, High Mountain Heli-skiing, NOLS, the NPS, and the Wyoming Dept. of Transportation.  These reports are taken into account, along with the results from the previous day's snow-control efforts of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol.

Having processed all this information, forecasters then look at the NWS report from Riverton, as well as other weather forecasts, add the snow-pit data from the previous day, and create the avalanche hazard forecast. By 7 a.m. this forecast is recorded for public consumption via the Avalanche Hazard Forecast Hotline and website, and is faxed to cooperating agencies and contributors.

Then these lucky numbers crunchers head up the mountain to test their forecast, possibly the best part of the job and an aspect that sets them apart from other forecasters.
On their way up the tram the BTNF forecasters brief the ski patrollers, who will take the data and the forecast into account during their own snow control efforts. Doubling as JHMR ski patrolmen themselves, BTNF forecasters might also have snow control routes to run.

Once in the field, they get immediate feedback as well as data for the next day's report, visiting each study plot and checking that morning's computer data by direct observation. Other observations include examining available avalanche crowns at the resort, on Teton pass, and at other locations.

In the afternoon the forecasters pass on the latest meteorological data to Riverton, and in turn receive an updated weather forecast.

Before 3 p.m. BTNF forecasters issue the RPK (Rendezvous Peak) weather forecast, along with their own data, to various JHMR departments. The ski patrol uses it to help plan the next day's snow control, and snowcat drivers and lift operators employ it in their planning.

It's a long, but satisfying day, with monumental benefits to local skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. ‹Wade McKoy

Useful phone numbers and web sites:

Call 733-2664, or go on-line at www.untracked.com/forecast/ for the daily report.
Call 739-2759 to report an observation.
On-mountain study plot web addresses (some data may need explanation):
http://nimbo.wrh.noaa.gov/Saltlake/avalanche/RPT/JHBASE.RPT.html
http://nimbo.wrh.noaa.gov/Saltlake/avalanche/RPT/JHMID.RPT.html
http://nimbo.wrh.noaa.gov/Saltlake/avalanche/RPT/JHRAYMER.RPT.html
http://nimbo.wrh.noaa.gov/Saltlake/avalanche/RPT/JHSUMMIT.RPT.html