Comparing Male and Female Runners - InfoGraph

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Backcountry Skiing - The Safety Blog

Our Approach to Backcountry Safety    by Chad Brackelsberg

With the dangerous start to the Wasatch winter, our touring group has spent a lot of time talking about what has happened and what we think will happen over the next several weeks.   As we discussed this, I thought it would be good to document some of our processes around decision making.

With the first snow each winter, our touring group starts to get excited for winter.  We get out during the early snow so that we can get a feeling for what that snow is doing.  At this point of the season, we are interested in things like how much there is, where it is, any faceting that may have started, slides that are already occurring existing snow structure, any week layers that are present of are forming, and other factors.  This information becomes very useful as some of the basis for our snowpack evaluations later in the season.  We also use these early season days to do a lot of beacon drills since it is harder to spend time doing drills once there is great powder.  By the time winter is really here, we feel comfortable with our gear and understand what the snow against the ground is doing. 

Our group considers ourselves fairly risk adverse.  We all enjoy skiing big, steep lines, but we are also happy meadow skipping.  We will ski tour on most all days, but make conservative choices of locations based on a variety of information including

·         UAC avalancheforecast rating

·         What we havebeen seeing and feeling when we have been out

·         Other conditions posted from people who skied the previous day(s) (TGR and Tele Tipsforums, Bob Athey and others)

·         A significant amount of discussion within our group

Within our group, several of us are very interested in the snow science factor.  Because of this, we spend a significant amount of time digging pits and talking about the snow and snow structure, what has been happening, what we think will happen, and dozens of other topics that have tendencies of driving people less ‘snow geeky’ crazy.  We feel that it is because of these continual discussions that we are able to make good decisions, stay out of trouble, and maintain good group dynamics (we are usually all on the same page since we spend so much time discussing these item).

For the past 3 years, the Utah Avalanche Center has put on the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW).  As part of the UAC Observer Program, we are able to attend the morning professional session as well as the afternoon public session.  The UAC does a great job of putting together a full day of workshops bringing together professional experience, new research, and presentations from accident survivors.  This workshop is a great early season refresher for our group and is a chance for us to learn about some of the latest snow/avalanche research that is taking place. 

Each year, Ian McCammon presents information from his research (which is based on his analysis of existing data).  Ian typically focuses his research on looking at creating processes that the ‘average’ backcountry user can incorporate into their backcountry decision making.  Ian has presented to key concepts

1)      Analysis of 5 structural parameters in the snowpack to determine a relationship between these parameters and human triggered avalanches.

2)      Introduction of ALPTRUTh and FACETS to analyze Situational Awareness and Psychological Distractions. 

Our group uses both of these methods as part of our backcountry decision making.  In this discussion, we will focus on how we use ALPTRUTh and FACETS methods as part of our decision making.

ALPTRUTh - Situational Awareness

Avalanches in last 48 hours

Loading from new snow, wind, etc

Known avalanche Path

Terrain Traps

Overall avalanche Rating

Unstable snow signs (cracking, whoomphing, etc)

Thawing (warm snow on top)

Our touring group has always informally used the ALPTRUTh scale.  This winter, we have decided to start formalizing our use of the scale.  We each have a laminated copy of the ALPTRUTh scale below in our cars and we use it as part of our discussion as we drive to the trailhead each morning and on our ski approach.  To use the ALPTRUTh scale in your evaluation (either before you start skiing or during your approach), you assign 1 point to each of the factors that exist in the area you will be skiing.  Ian’s research has found that ~98% of accidents had a rating of 3 or higher and ~92% of accidents had a 4 or higher.  There was also a surprisingly high percentage of accidents that had a rating of 5 of higher.  Our group considers any rating of 3 or higher to be a reason for careful analysis of the decisions we will be making.  The use of ALPTRUTh is just 1 of your decision criteria you should use to make your decisions. 

Notes

·         The ALPTRUTh scale incorporates what are considered the standard avalanche red flags: recent avalanches, heavy snowfall, wind loading, cracking, collapsing, and rapid warming.

·         Ian’s data used for his study was from 622 recreational avalanche accidents (fatalities and not) involving 1,180 individuals in the US between 1972 and 2001.

Printable table we use for ALPTRUTh analysis

FACETS - Psychological Distractions

Familiarity (with terrain, location, etc.)

Acceptance (not wanting to stand out in group, etc.)

Commitment (we came here to ski this so we have to)

Expert Halo (not speaking up when feeling other people know more)

Tracks (fresh line syndrome)

Scarcity (we may never be able to ski this spot again)

To incorporate Psychological Distractions into your decision making, use the FACETS acronym.  The psychological distractions are more subjective, but should be used as you are making your decisions to help ensure your decisions are not being adversely impacted by these distractions.  Most people have been in a situation where they are talking themselves into skiing a particular line.  This is a perfect example of a psychological distraction.  There is something telling you that you should not ski the line and you are telling yourself why it is ok.  You should pay attention to make sure that you are not getting impacted by these psychological distractions while you make decisions.

Self (or group) Analysis of Decision Making

You can use the ALPTRUTh and FACETS Scale together to help determine patterns that you (or your group) may have in their decision making.  To perform this analysis, look at 5 or more days (the more the better) that you skied and felt things were not perfect (bad decisions, close calls, group dynamic issues, etc.).  For each day, add up your ALPTRUTh score and plot that with a dot next to each of the FACETS components that existed.  Do this for each of your days and you will create a scatter plot.  Most people (groups) will start to see a pattern over time.  This pattern makes you aware of which psychological distractions that you are most influenced by.

                     Printable table we use for ALPTRUTh/FACETS graph

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References

The Role of Training in Recreational Avalanche Accidents in the United States

Ian McCammon

Proceedings of the International Snow Science Workshop,

October 2–6, 2000, Big Sky, Montana, pp. 37 – 45.

http://www.snowpit.com/articles/training.pdf

Evidence of heuristic traps in recreational avalanche accidents

Ian McCammon

Presented at the International Snow Science Workshop,

Penticton, British Columbia, Sept. 30 – Oct 4, 2002.

http://www.snowpit.com/articles/traps%20reprint.pdf

Heuristic Traps in Recreational Avalanche Accidents: Evidence and Implications

Ian McCammon

Avalanche News, No. 68, Spring 2004

A Field Method For Identifying Structural Weaknesses in the Snowpack

Ian McCammon and Jurg Schweizer

Presented at the International Snow Science Workshop,

Penticton, British Columbia, Sept. 30 – Oct 4, 2002.

http://www.snowpit.com/articles/lemons%20reprint%20copy.pdf

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2011 - 2012 Tahoe Backcountry Vertical Challenege

ATTENTION TAHOE BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS!

Last winter via the interwebs I became aware of a backcountry vertical gain contest called Tahoe Vertical.  I enquired about competing even though my daily skin tracks were decidedly deseret, not blue lake, and Brendan allowed me to join in on the fun.  The competition is put on by what I can only imagine is the best ski shop in Tahoe - AlpenGlow Sports.

Wick’s Picks for 2011-2012 Ski Mountaineer Racing

I am once again attempting to accumulate some ski mountaineering race gear.  US Ski Mountaineering Association team members Luke Nelson and Bryan Wickenhauser have personally given me a lot of great advice on what gear to go with and what to avoid.  I was privy to an email Wick sent to some friends about this years rando race gear.... and he was nice enough to let me publish it for all of our benefit.  Lot's of great info for the aspiring SkiMo racers below.

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Wick’s Picks for 2011-2012
Three Time USA Ski Mountaineering Team and Team Crested Butte Member Bryan Wickenhauser

Disclaimer:  Rando racing is about getting out, skiing hard and having fun.  NO SPECIALIZED GEAR IS REQUIRED!!!!  That’s right, you can race on your normal backcountry setup – both Tele and AT gear will get you by.  That said, Rando specific gear is HIGHLY specialized AND offer’s an enormous benefit.  So if you really want to compete, specific rando race gear is CRITICAL!  Let me repeat that – the rando specific gear is SO GOOD, that it offers an insurmountable advantage over traditional backcountry gear.  Here are some specific suggestions:

Ben Franklin Quotes

"Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

"He that falls in love with himself, will have no Rivals."

"Observe all men; thy self most."

"Fish and Visitors stink after three days."

"Eat to live, and not live to eat."

"Necessity never made a good bargain."

"He that leith down with Dogs, shall rise up with Fleas."

"The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise."

"To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals."

"Force shites on Reason's Back."

Grindstone 100 Miler Race Report

Grindstone 100 Mile Endurance Run is actually 101.85 miles of an out and back course in the beautiful George Washington National Forest.  The race features 23,200 feet of uphill on rugged rocky terrain.  From what I hear, not quite as gnarly/rocky as the Massanutten 100, but you've got a lot of attention to pay.

High Sierra High

Dawn Glanc and I joined photographer Ben Ditto and Jason "Coach" Lakey for a bit of High Sierra traversing in the name of aesthetics.  I am a lucky man indeed.

I also wrote a lil blog on this for the Mountain Hardwear website.. check it.

Headlamps for Trail Runners

I often get asked about what headlamp I prefer for trail running at night.  Last week alone I was asked twice via twitter what headlamps I use.  I've answered this in detail in TrailRunner Magazine as well (which I'll post at some later date).

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My Favorite Headlamp For Everyday Use:

Black Diamond Sprinter.  Lightweight, simple and provides a good light to run by.  Most importantly for weekly pre-dawn group runs and/or daily use.. it's rechargeable!

 

 

Light Type :  DoublePower LED

Lumens :  68

Max Distances :  50 m

Max Burn Time :  64 H

Weight Without Batteries :  100g / 3.5 oz

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My Favorite Headlamp For Racing: 

Petzl Myo XP.  I won't trust a rechargeable battery during a race. This light also lasts 108hrs, has 3 levels of brightness and is super reliable.

Light Type :  Super Bright LED

Lumens :  150

Max Distances :   97 m (boost mode)

Max Burn Time :  108 H

Weight With Batteries :  176g / 6.2 oz

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My Favorite Headlamp For Pacing: 

Petzl Ultra. This light is expensive, but it's amazingly powerful.  I won't race with this light because it's simply too heavy.  However for pacing it's only equivalent would be driving a car with the high beams on behind your runner.

Light Type :  New Generation Power LED

Lumens :  350

Max Distances :   59 m
Max Burn Time :  High 2hrs, Low 25hr

Weight With Batteries :  350g / 12.34oz

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My Favorite Headlamp For Emergencies: 

Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp. I have on many ocassions found myself out much later than I planned with no torch.  This can be dangerous, but mostly it's frustrating to move so slowly through the bush or down the trail when you know with even a little bit of light you could be cruising home to that hot shower, hot food, or hot girlfriend.  I've more than once said to myself "the e+LITE is one ounce, just f'ing take it every time you head out." 

Light Type :  LED

Lumens : 16

Max Distances :   19 m
Max Burn Time :  45hrs

Weight With Batteries :  28g / .987oz

UltrAspire Isomeric Race Hand Bottle Holder Review

Reviewed By:  Chad Brackelsberg

I was happy to be able to test out the new UltrApire Isomeric Race hand bottle strap.  After seeing a lot of UltrAspire products are races this fall and hearing great feedback of them online, I have been anxious to try several of the products including the Isomeric Race, Kinetic Pack, and Impulse waste pack.  I used the Isomeric Race on a Nathan water bottle as I like these bottles better than the Specialized bottles as they are a little bit smaller in diameter and fit my hand better.  The hand strap installed easily no the bottle with the bottom being very snug and therefore not able to slide up.  To get the strap adjusted to my hand, I had to work the bottom up a little bit to make room.  The strap provided a tight fit over my hand which is something I look for in hand bottle holders.  I do not like to "grip" the bottle and instead let it hang on my hand.  This is only possible with a strap that offers a tight fit on my hand.  During the run, the holder performed perfectly. It was tight on my hand so I was able to let the bottle hang without gripping it, the bottom strap did not shift or move, and the top adjustable strap did not loosen.  This bottle holder will be a perfect holder when a person wants to go minimalist.  My only concern is that over time, will the bottom of the holder stretch out and become loose on a bottle.  My only recommendation is to have a small elastic loop to hold the extra length of the adjustable top strap.  I was able to tuck the strap under itself, but this took a little bit of effort and does not easily allow a person to adjust the strap on the go.

 

Recipe: Baked Yam Fries

Yams should be in every endurance athletes shopping cart.  They are my preferred starchy carbohydrate source and they are soo very tasty.  Apparently there is more of the good (nutrients like: coratinoids, magnesium, zinc) and less of the bad (toxins and antinutrients, saponins) in a yams when compared to white potatoes.  Since we're always shooting for the most nutrient dense foods, yams win.  I'll often come home from training and eat these with homemade guacamole (recipe coming) as a recovery meal.

I like to leave them in a bit longer than prescribed to get that 'crispy' effect.  A word of caution, it's easy to end up with compost like this.

How long does it take:  20 minutes
What you need:  A baking tray and an oven
Ingredients:   

• Two large, 8 – 10 oz yams 
• 2 Tablespoons cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Preheat oven to broil

-Wash, then slice the yams into ½” thick, by ½” wide by 3-4 “ long strips (depending on the size of the yam).  Most importantly, keep the size of all the slices the same to ensure even cooking.

-Toss well with the oil to ensure the yam pieces are evenly coated.

-Place on rimmed baking sheet, lined with a piece of parchment paper (makes for an easy clean-up).

-Broil for 10’ on one side, then turn over and broil 10’.  Yams are done when easily pierced with a fork.  Remove from oven, then sprinkle salt and pepper on top.

Yam fans might also like this one: Cinnamon Apple Yam Bake Recipe