The aftermath of Adam’s death was a dark and painful time. However, even through my grief, I began to realize how woefully ignorant both Adam and myself had been about the dangers of backcountry recreation. I was dismayed to hear story after story of the loss of others. “My dad died in an avalanche.” “My brother died on that same mountain.” “I was with my best friend when he was buried.” It is their loss, as well as my own, that has me asking questions such as:
- Why are any snowmobilers riding without the proper education and gear with everything we now know about avalanche danger?
- Why are there areas in Idaho, such as the Centennial Range, not being monitored for an avalanche forecast?
- With the number of inexperienced riders in the mountains, why are there no warning signs in all problematic areas?
- How is it that areas, such as Colorado and Canada, are so much more progressive about avalanche safety and protecting those who venture into the backcountry and Idaho continues to lag behind?
- Is there an affordable way to provide safety gear for riders who don’t own their own?
- Why don't large OEM brands encourage the purchase of safety gear and education courses with the sale of each new sled?
It is time to change the public perception about avalanche safety, and not just with those who are riding enthusiasts. For everyone.
The day of my husband’s funeral I said, “I have to do something,” and the Adam Andersen Avalanche Project was born. A plan to possibly provide a couple of beacons, possibly one airbag for rent quickly evolved into much more. In 2018, the Project was able to participate in two avalanche awareness events and raise funds for six packs including airbag, shovel, probe and a beacon to be rented for free in Island Park, ID, and Idaho Falls.
It has established status as a non-profit and, with the assistance of the Forest Service, the Project purchased and designed avalanche warning signs that were posted at every trailhead in Island Park—including the trail that my husband rode up Jan. 10, but would not return alive. And this is only the beginning.
The conversation across the sport needs to change. The “it won't happen to me” mentality needs to be addressed. The high cost of safety gear and time extensive education courses may not seem necessary for riders who do not go out more than a few times a year. Inexperienced riders may not realize that any slope more than 35 degrees has the potential to be highly dangerous.
With continuing advancements in technology, snowmobiles are reaching places they never have been able to. The popularity of snowbiking continues to grow and riders are crossing over from the dirt to the snow without an appreciation of the dangers that lay beneath the snow.
Adam Andersen had a ceaseless love for the mountains of Idaho, a love that so many of us share. He had a passion or all things fast and fun. He was an experienced rider who loved this sport. I refuse to allow his death to be without meaning and purpose. It is time for change.
Packs can be rented for free at High Mountain Adventures in Island Park as well as Action Motor Sports in Idaho Falls.
Donations can be made at adamandersen.org
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AdamAvalancheProject/