Prologue:
Instant winter. A furious and prolonged storm has descended upon our Range. Snowfall totals cresting 50” have been reported in favored terrain and riding conditions have proven excellent over the last five days. Locals from around the valley are preparing for their season and Facebook is about to implode from all the powdery footage. The light and fluffy flakes have infested the minds of many snow junkies and after last season’s abysmal winter, they are hungry for the goods. Like crazed animals at the sight of fresh meat, hoards of enthusiasts are taking to the hills to get their fair share.
The addition of this new load to existing pockets of weak snow has created tricky avalanche conditions on the northern aspects throughout the tri-canyon area. Due to the foresight of most mountains to close their doors to uphill traffic, many potentially devastating scenarios have been avoided. Fortunately, the demons are confined to a rather predictable area and a majority of skiers have found safe turns. Continuing to make good decisions is paramount to the success of our species and we must remember the lessons we have learned. Our vast collection of resources gives us the luxury of information and the ability to make informed choices. Let’s keep up the good work.
As the clouds part and the mountains reveal their glorious new look, it is time to begin. Resort crews have been waiting for the chance to strike and gain a foothold on the early season. It just so happens that this Brut-us of a storm has coincided with our annual refresher training. Returning for another year, the Patrol at LCC’s finest resort is ready to lay siege to the mountain. Previous plans have been thrown out the window and a blitzkrieg of activity is transforming the slopes. The team is highly skilled and possesses an intimate understanding of their environment. Led by seasoned tacticians, they formulate a way to achieve their objectives in an amazingly short time frame. Thousands of acres must be made ready for the eager public and ensuring their safety is of utmost importance.
A cadre of red-coats descends upon the hillsides. Armed to the teeth with their munitions of snow destruction, they forge into the unknown. With precision and skill they begin their assault. The beast is crafty and won’t give up its secrets to just anyone. The high stakes game of cat and mouse continues and eventually the team gets a result, albeit surprising. A slope releases post-control and throws a curve ball at our crew. The three-foot deep by fifty-foot wide pocket collapses and the weak layer fails. Facets are to blame for this mess and it serves as a warning shot across the bow. An hour later another northerly piece comes unglued. Good procedures and timing keep the patrollers safe as Day One comes to a close.
By midweek, things are taking shape. Miles of rope lines and a virtual bamboo forest have been put into place to keep the animals contained. The opening day is near and it appears the team is ready to take on a whole new set of challenges. Becoming a cohesive unit takes diligence and effort on everybody’s part. Close-knit friendships keep moral high and it is now time to move forward. Ahead lays six months and six million opportunities to prove we are the best. What wondrous things will Mother Nature provide and what will we make of them?