AAI News:
–December 2 – Avalanche Awareness Seminar at headquarters in Bellingham.
–December 12 – Girl Climber Film at headquarters in Bellingham.
Northwest:
–Gripped is reporting that, “a base jumper is lucky to be alive after a crash on Slhanay near Squamish on Tuesday evening. The 20-something man attempted a jump but ended up hitting the rock almost immediately after takeoff. Reports state his parachute collapsed during deployment, causing him to slam into the cliff side and come to rest on a small rock outcropping roughly 60 feet below the ridge.” To read more, click here.
–Climbing is reporting that, “Samson Garner, a 41-year-old climber from Portland, Oregon, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his attempted mass shooting in Smith Rock State Park in October 2023. In September 2025, Garner was found guilty of 26 felony charges, including attempted murder.” To read more, click here.
Sierra:
–Fox 40 is reporting that, “The Tahoe Search and Rescue responded to an 18-year-old solo climber who was stranded on a ledge at the top of Jake’s Peak on the west shore around 3 p.m. on Nov. 11.” To read more, click here.
Desert Southwest:
–A 27-year-old man appears to have veered off the road in Grand Canyon National Park and driven over the edge, falling 300-feet to his death. To read more, click here.
–Note that Thanksgiving is coming. This is one of the busiest weekends of the year in places like Red Rock and Joshua Tree. Be sure that you have a solid plan for camping or lodging. Be nice to one another and share your camp where possible.
Colorado and Utah:
–CBS News is reporting that, “The body of a climber who died sometime on Saturday was recovered in southwestern Colorado on Sunday, search and rescue officials said. The Ouray Mountain Rescue Team said the body was recovered from the Precipice Peak area of the West Fork of the Cimarron River.” To read more, click here.
–There was an accident in Eldorado Canyon over the weekend that required a rescue team. Read about it here.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “After months of talks, negotiation, and legislation, Colorado’s nearly 50 search-and-rescue teams will officially benefit from a 400% fee increase, helping support the volunteers who work selflessly to save others. Often overlooked, search-and-rescue teams are imperative in saving lost, injured, or stranded people, helping with avalanche response, and providing medical care in remote areas.” To read more, click here.
–Summit Daily is reporting that, “Following a multi-hour bargaining session on Thursday night, Nov. 13, the Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union and Vail Resorts have reached an agreement. ‘Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union are pleased to announce that we have reached a new tentative agreement through November 15, 2028,” the two entities said in a joint statement. “The Union’s bargaining committee is unanimously recommending ratification by its members. Until contract ratification, neither party will be accepting media requests.'” To read more, click here.
–2 KUTV is reporting that, “Vandalism, including graffiti and toilet paper, were reportedly found on Utah’s protected red rock in Arches National Park near Moab. According to reports, vandals used white spray paint to deface the red rock with various words and drawings, including a smiley face and a character from the popular video game, Among Us.” To read more, click here.
–In other vandalism news, ABC 4 Utah is reporting that, “A woman was sentenced today after defacing petroglyphs on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land in 2024. In November 2024, officials with BLM and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office found significant vandalism to petroglyphs on the Wire Pass Trail in Kane County. Based on camera footage provided by members of the public, officials took Daniela Ganassim Ericksen, of Ivins, Utah, into custody on Nov 30, 2024.” To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
–Alaska Public Media is reporting that, “Alaska snow enthusiasts are mourning the loss of one of the state’s top snow safety professionals. Wendy Wagner, director of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, passed away in her sleep Nov. 6 after battling ovarian cancer for the prior year and a half, according to her colleagues at the center.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks is reporting that, “Jackson Hole Mountain Resort just celebrated the fastest descent of the steepest and most visible line in resort’s world famous sidecountry. Skier Jim Ryan laid down the blistering line Central Couloir back in March, 2024. Central Couloir features a 1,500 foot vertical drop with an average of 55° and an approximately 35-foot mandatory exit air. Jimmy skied it in 20 seconds and Jackson Hole is officially deeming it the world record time.” To read more, click here.