Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 2/18/21

Avalanche Note:

February of 2021 may go down as one of the deadliest months for avalanche fatalities in history. At this point at least sixteen people have been killed, and maybe more (articles are inconsistent). This is terribly sad. Please be careful out there. If you're unsure about the hazard, go home, or ski/ride at a resort. We want everyone to come home from every mountain trip...

Northwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "An avalanche in Brandywine Bowl (Whistler area) on Saturday afternoon claimed the life of climber and snowboarder Dave Henkel, 45, a member of the Squamish community. Outpourings of grief and disbelief flooded social media from his many friends and connections." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--Snowbrains is reporting that, "Over the past year, healthcare workers have made an indelible impact on communities around the country. To honor their unwavering commitment and offer thanks, Homewood Mountain Resort is giving away lift tickets, access to the mountain an hour before the general public, and complimentary breakfast to 200 healthcare workers on Sunday, February 28, 2021." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--A historic 5.14c in Joshua Tree National Park has been seriously downgraded, now clocking in at a still-quite-hard 5.12d. However, the original grade of 14c made it one of the hardest climbs in the country. Now? Not so much. To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Two avalanches resulted in fatalities in Colorado on Sunday. To read more, click here.

--A skier died after striking a tree Breckenridge Ski Resort last week.

--The Denver Channel is reporting that, "A snowmobiler remains missing after an avalanche near Ruby Mountain in Jackson County on Tuesday." To read more, click here.

--The following is an excellent snapshot of what happened on the February 6th avalanche that killed four people in the Wilson Glades area of Wilson Peak in Utah:

--The avalanche hazard in Utah is off the charts right now. Little Cottonwood Canyon has been closed, as have some resorts. To read more, click here.

--Fox 13 is reporting that, "Officials are looking for help in identifying who vandalized parts of Bryce Canyon National Park." To read more, click here.

--A new gym is being planned in Moab. They're interested in hearing the community's thoughts.

Notes from All Over:

--Avalanches aren't the only hazard right now. On Sunday, a 27-year-old died in a tree-well at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Another skier died in a tree-well at Montana's Bridger Bowl. A third died at Vermont's Stowe Mountain, but this appears to be the result of a tree collision.

--A production company owned by the Obamas will be making a film about Tenzing Norgay for Netflix. Tenzing was on the first ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953. To read more, click here.

--Outside is reporting that, "Kilimanjaro could soon look quite different, and not just because of its shrinking glaciers. The Tanzanian government recently approved construction of a cable car on the 19,341-foot peak, the highest summit in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Still, while it may technically be approved, the project is far from a sure bet." To read more, click here.

--Late last week, several ski resorts in Montana closed due to life-threatening cold weather. To read more, click here.

--Ski slopes in parts of Europe are yellow due to a storm in the Sahara that blew sand into the region. To read about it and to see photos, click here.