'Know Before You Go:' USU Outdoor Programs, UAC to Increase Avalanche Awareness

Just ahead of ski and snowmobile season, Utah State University’s Outdoor Programs and the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) are hosting a free “Know Before You Go” avalanche awareness presentation at the Aggie Recreation Center on Nov. 30, at 7 p.m.

Local UAC forecasters will be at Tuesday’s event to help share information and answer questions.

“With the substantial increase in the number of winter backcountry users in recent years, including here in Logan, it is more important than ever to educate and bring our backcountry community together,” said Greg Davis, the Outdoor Programs coordinator.

Many people turned to the outdoors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a substantial increase in the number of backcountry recreators.

The 2020-21 avalanche season was the second deadliest in Utah history. Six people were killed and five of those occurred within one week. Four backcountry skiers were killed in the Feb. 6 avalanche, which was also the second deadliest in the nation’s recent history.

Davis added, the event is open to the general public to ensure all who recreate in or around avalanche terrain can begin the process of learning how to safely enjoy Utah’s backcountry this winter season.