Using explosives to control avalanches in the backcountry is one of the most controversial aspects of the Wasatch Powderbird’s operation. In this photo, the helicopter flew between two touring parties and bombed a large slope which fractured up to six feet deep and sent a powerful avalanche down into a popular touring area, destroying trees in the process.
The Powderbirds claim they fly over trailheads to look for tracks before bombing, which was not done in this case. It is impossible to accurately judge how deep, far and wide an avalanche will go once it is triggered and it is possible that this entire cirque may have sympathetically released from these explosives, causing an even bigger avalanche. Note the Snowbird tram tower in the background for reference as to how close this was to easy roadside access.
A topo map of the area:
And an annotated version of the photo, just to give Tyson a reason to complain about being “dissed on the internet of telemarkinglessons.com”
