Toyin Around with an Idea!

[Boondockn]

With all of the Avy Deaths that have tragically happened I was wondering what more could be done to get the word out to all sledders. So I was thinking, (and am going to need A LOT of input with this) if we all put some bones together and came up with some signs to place at trail heads. Similar to the signs the forrest service puts up during the summer that warn of fire danger. The signs would have all of the relative avalanche warning colors and names with the arrow pointing to the condition of the day or week. Maybe also a reminder for riders to check their safety gear (beacons) before heading up the trail. I am not sure if we would need to get permits from the forrest service or not to post the signs. Everywhere there is a sign posted I know there is a forum member or members, who live close enough to the trail heads, (obviously not every trail, but major parking areas) who could be in charge of checking the avy center reports that morning and making sure the sign reflects it.
Again this is just an idea, maybe bad I don't know. But Just wanting to do more to help awareness.
Lets get some feedback, maybe this can get the ball rolling on better ideas.

Out


Zac

 

[snengineer]

I think that is a great idea, I have wondered the same many times. This forum is fantastic for getting the word out but I think only a small portion of all the sledders use this forum regularly. Lets keep discussing this and get something figured out, Trial head signs seems very practical.

 

[DragonFreak]

Sounds like an awesome idea to me

 

[JWM]

I think this would be a great idea. I know up at Brighton Ski resort they have sign they are large and say "Are You Beeping!" and then gave a avi warning.

Something like that should at least be installed.

 

[acdar]

Zac,

This is a great idea. I know a few years back there were signs posted at some parking lots showing snowmobilers how to park. This was done by Utah parks and I know they are looking into putting signs up at Monte. If you would like to contact me at 801-518-2766 to disscuss some ideas. I can see what I can do with this thru the Utah Snowmobile Association., Fred Hayes with Utah parks, and Craig Gordan with the Utah Avalanche center. I feel like this is a great benifit for everyone.

Thanks

Dean Rossum
Vice President of the Utah Snowmobile Association

 

[powderules]

Avalanche Text Message

I wonder if we could somehow get text messages sent out every day with the conditions of certain areas. I would pay for this type of service.

 

[Sunridge Sledhead]

These are great, forward thinking ideas! It seems to me that with the fees we pay to park and register our sleds the Parks and Recreation, with some of our assistance, should help us out?? I'm willing to be involved in this effort anyway I can.

 

[sledhead ut]

"Signs don't scare stupid people"

 

[Kevco]

Apparently neither does the state avy site?

 

[JedInUtah]

Apparently neither does the state avy site?

These are all fantastic ideas and the more we can do the better.....I am all for it, but unfortunately I have to agree with the last 2 posts......those that are prepared or take forethought will continue too and those that are ignorant or don't care to be informed will continue to do so.

Are you beeping?? Ask a friend, cause at least one other person should have one on.

 

[Boondockn]

Slethead UT,

As the famous Ron "They call me Tater Salad" White says,"You cant fix stupid." I agree with that and this is not what this idea is all about. If this idea helps even one person to be a litte more careful and stay off the hills or helps them to get better edumacated or even upgrade/update their safety gear, take an avy class. I would say it would all be worth it.

Kev,

Like mentioned above, I think most people who frequent this site are pretty well informed and do try to be safe. This is to just try to make a difference for those who may not know or havent been told all of the places they can get information.


Anyways, still working on the idea and need more feedback. (good and not good)

 

[JustinB]

Lets do it im in to helping however I can.

 

[JedInUtah]

Again......I think it is a great idea.....I know I notice the fire danger signs and color everytime I head up the canyon......

 

[Sunridge Sledhead]

I understand the skepticism about some people not paying attention to warning signs. But, if something like this saves even one life....what does that mean? Priceless....especially for the family and friends whose mom, dad, brother, or sister returned home safely that day!

My 2 bits!

 

[gibsonman]

may help, may not. only thing certain is that it sure as s#!t aint going to hurt anything. Some of those that are new to the sport aren't aware of the power of the snow there playing on and it may get them to start asking questions. With that said "I'm in" however I can to help. GREAT IDEA!!!

 

[sledhead ut]

I suggest before you start plastering signs around trail heads and parking areas, you check with the USFS. They're kind of funny about stuff like that. Even if it's a good thing, you will need permission and inform them of your intentions.
They will want to know who, what, why and how the signage will be hung and maintained and who will be responsible for removal in the spring.

Might even want to consider a trail head/parking lot literature box with an informative flyer in it. (just hope they don't get littered)

Would love to see it happen.
We saw at least 12 people climbing last weekend within 2 miles of where the 15 year old died 2 weeks prior. Just plain DUMB

Good Luck

 

[Chief]

This is a great idea.. but I think to make it work we need permission and letters of agreement with State Parks, Forest Service, the Avy center and other involved parties.

I believe that without a LOA you can't place a sign on any of the trail heads. The Avy Center should know about this stuff 'cause they should have one for each of the Beacon Training centers they've put in.

Do we have a lawyer in the group? And who's going to sponsor this and provide fiscal support?

I know one of the Snow Mobile clubs used to mark the Cold Spring trail from Soapstone Basin along Soapstone Creek to the spring. They may have some input on this too.. if we all become members of that club they may be willing to sponsor the signs as well.

 

[Kevco]

I still think word of mouth is the best was to educate, while in the parking lot take a second to let the group next to you know what the danger is. I think the "fire" danger sign is a good one. But ultimately it come down to the individual. Im not bashing I have just lost faith in the general body of sledders.

 

[kbisiar]

How about this. After reading on this forum how loved Animal was I think it would be great if the hills that have claimed sledders lives(or sledder that claimed that hill with ther life) had a small mamorial sign with the victims names(visable in winter of course). If I had a freind/loved one swallowed up and taken so quickly It would be a great comfort to me to know people had sufficiant warning right at the very hill itself. I mean If you ride past a couple signs with 4-5 names each durring the day I thinks it sends the message and those that new the riders, well it's like there spirat is still with ya on the mountain. Is it possible the forest service would allow mamorial signs be placed at the base of these hills. I could probably read 50 avalanche warnings and I don't think the message would be half as strong as knowing lives were lost on the hill right in front of me.

 

[girlpowder]

I like that idea. That would be a warning shot for sure.