All the things forecasters are talking about in avalanche reports — naturally occurring cracking, collapsing, "whoompfing" and the avalanching of the snowpack under the weight of skiers or riders — were evident during a recent backcountry ski tour above the town of Independence, east of Aspen.
Interest in avalanche training has intensified recently as backcountry sports have surged in popularity.
Alders (Alnus) are found in avalanche tracks, and willows (Salix) are important species in wet places.
In avalanche areas, groups will cross the dangerous slopes one person at a time.
Sad times for fans of the listening post in Avalanche Records.
Mr. McLean, an extreme backcountry skier with violet eyes and the physique of Gumby, spends a lot of time in avalanche territory.
One link, Colorado Firstrax (www.firstrax.com/avalanch.htm), has guides for traveling in avalanche terrain and what to do if you are caught in a slide.
Crews had been using explosives to bring down additional snow in avalanche zones to make the area safer for highway workers.
"This year is extremely unusual for us," said Mr. Tremper, who has directed Utah's avalanche center since 1986 and is the author of the book "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain".
With little notice, the rookie goaltender Brent Johnson was plucked out of anonymity by Joel Quenneville, a desperate St . LouisBlues coach, and offered up like a sacrifice to the all-star gods in Avalanche white tonight.
Men tend to jab impulsively and women curve their bodies meditatively in "Avalanche" (performed by Ms. Marcotty and Rotem Tashach), "Creation Myth I (Ms. Marcotty and Cyrus Khambatta) and "Creation Myth II" (Ms. Marcotty and Mr. Khambatta).
