SAM Magazine--February 5, 2008--An avalanche blocked Alpine Meadow's access road on Sunday, forcing the resort to close for the day. The slide was triggered by a control team which was running routes above the access road. The crown of the slide was estimated to be as much as 12 feet high in some places.

The avalanche underscores the danger of snowslides after the area has been pummeled by recent storms. Two skiers, Patrick Frost, 35, and Christopher Gerwig, 32, of San Francisco, were reported missing Saturday night at Alpine Meadows, but were found two days later.

Moving east, Deer Valley, Utah, better known for its grooming than steep, avalanche-prone terrain, had an inbounds avalanche scare on February 2. The terrain, located in the resort's black diamond area of Empire Canyon, slid (apparently naturally) around midday. According to the resort, The Daly Chutes #5 and # 6 have been closed all season, but tracks near the avalanches sparked a search, which used two dog teams as well as probe lines. No victims were located.

The avalanche activity was between 150 and 200 feet wide, 150 to 200 feet long, with various depositions ranging from one to five feet, most of which was debris from previous avalanche control work.

With an in-bounds avalanche taking a life at nearby The Canyons in late December, and heavy snowfall since then, Utah resorts are taking no chances when it comes to slide activity inside the ropes. Deer Valley Resort has experienced near record snowfall this season, with snow totals of over 14 feet received since opening day.

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