I got an e-mail from photographer and backcountry wise man Mark Gallup yesterday with the following words of wisdom that I thought we could all benefit from. If words weren’t enough he included a link to a gut wrenching video from one of the survivors of the Fernie avalanche that killed eight people. I could only get about a fourth of the way into it. It’s an answer to the rhetorical question: ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’

From Mark:

Reminding everybody to play safe this winter. We are stuck with this weak December snow pack for the rest of the season here in BC. Consider this in your adventures and see you at the other end!

http://www.theprovince.com/story.html?id=1130923

This season went from no snow to daily poundings of snow in a few short weeks and the results have been both fun and fairly dangerous. Already nine people have died from avalanches including three people at operating ski resorts?Squaw, Snowbird, and Jackson Hole. Just a heads up, to keep your head up and be aware not just in the backcountry, but roaming the resorts, too.

Here are a few more articles to check out if you’re interested:

An updated list of current season avalanche incidents (and a great resource for all avalanche centers): http://www.avalanche.org/av-reports/index.html

One more from today at Jackson (don’t even let your guard down at lunch).

Even more current news about 8 snowmobilers who were buried near Fernie yesterday: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28417024/

Stronger penalties for ducking ropes: The Aspen Times

Two riders died at Whistler and Blackcomb.