Today was an excellent day in the field during the San Juan Field School’s Level One Avalanche Course. It was graybird and snow conditions were not ideal but it opened up a world of possibilities just outside the ski resort boundary. I have fished and hung out quite a bit in the Alta Lakes area during the summer and fall, drooling at the large rock spires and couloirs everywhere around. Today made those lines and many more a reality. It was a mellow day tour with a wealth of snow science information that gave me and others more confidence in a strange snowpack and desire to skin further. Although it is not as convenient as skiing bear creek, the lines to the south in between Prospect Bowl and Ophir are just as proud and deep. I already can’t wait to drop in there again.
By: Brian Horton