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John Hollenhorst Reporting The avalanche season is underway. Today officials launched a new strategy to reduce the number of deaths that typically haunt the winter recreation season.
There's a new system involving signs that beep!
I'd hate to think how often we've stood in Big Cottonwood Canyon reporting on the latest tragedy, of someone buried by an avalanche. We average four deaths a year.
Now, the family of a recent victim is helping pay for a new way to get people's attention.
It's a long trip by Snowcat to the top of Brighton. The ski resort isn't even open yet, but snowboarders were already there, hiking up for pre-season fun.
New signs are being installed here. It's where expert snowboarder Atilio Cremaschi headed out to his death in an avalanche last April.
Jason Velez/ Victim's Friend: "That's a typical example of somebody with the ability putting themselves in a situation that was just too risky and it resulted in a tragedy."
Cremaschi's family in Chile is paying part of the cost of the signs.
Jason Velez: "They wanted the death not to be in vain. They wanted to be able to use their contribution to do something that would have a long-term effect."
The Forest Service and the resorts are putting the signs at key back-country exit points, a reminder of the facts of life, and death.
Craig Gordon/ Utah Avalanche Center: "If you are leaving these egress gates, remember you've got to be prepared for your own rescue."
The signs beep and blink when they pick up signals from avalanche beacons. Every back-country recreationist is supposed to carry one.
Craig Gordon: "Wearing an avalanche beacon gives you a shot at your party finding you under the snow."
The signs remind recreationists about equipment, avalanche education AND the need for a current forecast.
Jason Velez/Victim's friend: "This catches your attention. This is something just to tell you, 'Are you prepared? Are you thinking of the things you need to think as you go into this dangerous area?'"
The Avalanche Forecast Center has a new phone number this year. It's 888-999-4019. That's a toll-free number that could save your life.
