The north face of Kessler Peak, Wasatch Range, UT. God's Lawnmower is the giant slide path in the shadow side of the mountain.
A case study published in a recent issue of The Avalanche Review illustrates the importance of clear communication in the backcountry. Fortunately, the author, Trent Meisenheimer, and his father ended up not getting involved in this avalanche.
Click here to read The Avalanche Review case study.
But the lack of contact with his father sure scared Trent straight (he now owns a pair of BC Link radios):
As you know we are all human and communication is not always our strong suit. But in this case I could have easily called my dad on the radio and he would have responded immediately clearing up the confusion of him being buried. I was really shaken up!
To see what kind of layering was beneath that avalanche, watch the video and check out the field observation Trent made that day for the Utah Avalanche Center.
Wasatch Mountains, Kessler Avalanche from Trent Meisenheimer.
Tracks where they safely skied out.
Trent Meisenheimer grew up in Salt Lake City Utah, skiing and snowboarding the Wasatch mountains since the age of two. He can be found most winter days pursuing his passion- hiking the backcountry, shredding Utahs famous powder. Trent works for the Utah Avalanche Center where he is continually seeking knowledge for snow and avalanche science.