Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 3/24/16

Northwest:

--A Portland man climbing at Smith Rock State Park was injured Saturday in a 15-foot fall at the bottom of a 125-foot-deep ravine, prompting the use of a high-angle rope rescue system to reach and treat the man and bring him to safety, authorities said. To read more, click here.

--Some people peer into ice caves and see yawning caverns tucked deep in glaciers, the glassy sheen on scalloped walls and a brilliant blue glow from beneath the ice. Eddy Cartaya and Brent McGregor see a chance to study what life on Mars might be like, the opportunity to develop a warning system for communities at risk from lahars and the excitement of doing something no one else in science is doing. To read more, click here.

--The shrinking of glaciers in the Pacific Northwest is reducing the summer water supply in regional watersheds, according to a geologist for the National Park Service. Jon Riedel, a researcher with North Cascades National Park, delivered the alarming news at the Columbia Forum, held Tuesday evening at the Columbia Memorial Hospital Community Center. Using data from his glacier-monitoring studies and the work of other scientists, Riedel discussed how higher global temperatures impact glaciers in Washington state’s national parks and what it means for the wider ecology. To read more, click here.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article67159227.html#storylink=cpy

Sierra:

--It looks like the Mountain High Ski Area will be closed for the season due to lack of snow. To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The best climbing festival of the year is now accepting registrations. Red Rock Rendezvous will run from April 1-3. Come on out to Vegas and get your climb on! To read more, click here.

Colorado:

--A 69-year-old skier died at Telluride Ski Resort Saturday after he collided with a tree. The incident occurred between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. George A. Nolan, 69, of Greenwood, S.C., was skiing with his daughter-in-law on a single black diamond run, according to a press release from the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office. She told deputies he was skiing slightly behind her but then passed her, one ski missing, sliding head-first on his side. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--A skier at Snowbird in Utah was killed in a collision after losing control over the weekend. To read more, click here.

--A woman on a backcountry ski trip in Montana was rescued by a helicopter over the weekend after falling and injuring herself in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. To read more, click here.

--Two serious avalanches took place on New Hampshire's Mount Washington last week. To read about them, click here.

--A Montana snowmobiler trying to rescue his buddies was severely injured after crashing through a steel road closure gate in Montana. The snowmobiler was racing to his friends' aid after they texted him that the had been in an avalanche. The text was a hoax... To read more, click here.

--The Huffington Post recently posted a long story about the issues with sexual harassment that women face in the National Parks and in the US Forest Service. The article is very good and very disturbing, but it is well worth the read. To see the article, click here.

--Interested in seeing ski resorts from space...? Check out this link!

--Check out the video below as the French speedrider drops into a line on the North Face of the Aguille du Midi, taking a few turns before sending lots of snow sliding down. Sound dangerous? Well, if you're going to set off an avalanche, it's better to have a wing attached. To read more, click here. To see the video, click below:


--Beer manufacturers have rarely been accused of having good taste when it comes to their advertising, but a new commercial from Coors Canada is drawing fire that it’s irresponsible and dangerous. The ad shows skiers and snowboarders debating whether to leave a ski area boundary, a voiceover asking, “Will you brave going out of bounds?” and then showing them exiting the area with no safety equipment. To read more, click here.