The first Avalanche Advisory, either "General" or "5 scale", will be issued when needed. This is just a "get ready for the avalanche season" reminder. If you haven't done it yet it's time to get all those avalanche books and movies out to review the basics and those points that have confused you in the past.

Start with a review of the basics within the avalanche triangle (terrain, weather, and snowpack). A firm grasp of common avalanche concepts and traveling with experienced partners should keep you out of dangerous situations most of the time. This is particularly true if you are self aware of your limitations. Be honest with yourself about how much you "really" know about the avalanche phenomenon. I have heard more than one avalanche professional say upon their retirement that they had more confidence in their first few years than in their last. The longer we dig in the snow the more we realize there is so much we don't know. Humility in the mountains will bring you years of fun and the ability to return to the mountains another day.

So, winter is coming. Don't wait any longer to refresh your avalanche skills, including rescue techniques. Pull out your beacon, install new batteries, and practice, Practice!, PRACTICE!! ONLY YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BUDDY!! Review your safe travel rules, techniques for assessing snow stability, and sign up for an avalanche course. We will have all the avalanche courses offered in the valley this winter on our website, tuckerman.org very soon.

Winter will return to the high mountains before long so don't plan on being able to follow all summer trails safely. Trails going through Ravines and Gulfs will collect snow quickly and will require appropriate winter gear and equipment. Also, be aware of falling ice if we get into thaw periods before the real deep winter freeze. Many folks have been injured and killed by falling ice so pay attention to where you are, and don't linger when under ice.

WE WILL TALK TO YOU AGAIN WHEN THE NEED ARISES. HOPE FOR SNOW, GET ALL YOUR AVALANCHE GEAR READY, AND ABOVE ALL LEARN MORE ABOUT AVALANCHES THROUGH BOOKS, MOVIES, THE WEB, COURSES, AND WITH TRUSTED COMPANIONS IN THE FIELD. HAVE A GOOD LATE FALL. IT WON'T BE LONG....