One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a snow reporter was working with Ski Patrol. These guys and girls are professionals, and I felt very lucky to hear their insights each and every morning. Furthermore, I was honored that they trusted me to relay their messages to the public. On this particular day in May 2018, I skied out Nash Gate with Alpental Pro Patrol to highlight spring avalanche hazards to help our guests understand why the Back Bowls were closed, even when no avalanche control work was being performed. In the spring, particularly during a good snow year, which we had in 2018, the snow on the cliffs recedes into isolated pockets that can’t be controlled by Patrol. The danger is realized when these snow boulders, some of them the size of small cars, decide to fall out of the pockets that harbor them.

Alpental Pro Patrol checking spring avalanche conditions.