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Tony Doyle LaChapelle: The Snow Science Pioneer

Introduction

Tony Doyle LaChapelle (1929-2015) was a legendary avalanche expert and snow scientist who dedicated his life to understanding and mitigating avalanche hazards. His pioneering research, groundbreaking books, and innovative avalanche safety education programs have saved countless lives and transformed the field of avalanche science.

Early Life and Education

LaChapelle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and developed a passion for skiing and mountaineering at a young age. He served in the US Army's 10th Mountain Division and later studied forestry at the University of Utah, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1953.

Avalanche Research and Expertise

In the 1950s, LaChapelle began his groundbreaking avalanche research at the US Forest Service's Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station in Ogden, Utah. He conducted extensive field studies, analyzing snowpack conditions, avalanche behavior, and the factors that trigger avalanches.

His research led to the development of the LaChapelle Test, a simple but effective field test used to assess snowpack stability. He also developed the Snow Pit Profile, a standardized method for recording and analyzing snowpack properties.

Avalanche Safety Education

Recognizing the need for practical avalanche safety education, LaChapelle played a pivotal role in establishing the National Avalanche School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 1965. This school has trained thousands of avalanche professionals and recreational backcountry users, dramatically reducing avalanche-related fatalities.

LaChapelle's book, "The ABCs of Avalanche Safety", first published in 1966, became a must-read for winter enthusiasts. Its clear and concise explanations of avalanche science and safety practices have educated generations of skiers, snowboarders, and mountain guides.

Legacy and Impact

LaChapelle's contributions to avalanche science have had a profound impact on the safety of winter recreation. His research, education programs, and books have helped reduce avalanche fatalities by over 75% since he began his work in the 1950s.

He was also an influential advocate for wilderness preservation and backcountry access, believing that people should be able to enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Gully Test

In 1965, LaChapelle was skiing with a group of avalanche professionals in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. They encountered a gully that was prone to avalanches. LaChapelle performed his now-famous Gully Test, using a long ski pole to probe the snowpack for weaknesses.

He identified a layer of weak snow near the surface and declared the gully unsafe for skiing. The group turned around and avoided an avalanche that occurred shortly after in the same location.

Lesson Learned: The Gully Test is a simple but effective way to identify potentially unstable snowpack conditions and avoid dangerous situations.

Story 2: The Alta Avalanche

In 1982, an avalanche occurred at Alta Ski Area in Utah, killing eight skiers. LaChapelle was called in to investigate and concluded that the avalanche was triggered by a whumpf, a sound caused by the collapse of weak snow layers.

Following the Alta Avalanche, LaChapelle emphasized the importance of recognizing and avoiding whumfs and other warning signs of avalanche danger. He developed a checklist for evaluating whumpfs, which remains a critical tool for avalanche safety.

Lesson Learned: Being aware of warning signs and taking appropriate precautions can help reduce the risk of being caught in an avalanche.

Story 3: The Silverton Experience

In the 1970s, LaChapelle assisted with the development of avalanche forecasting and mitigation programs in Silverton, Colorado. His work helped reduce avalanche fatalities in the area by over 90%.

LaChapelle's approach in Silverton involved community involvement, data collection, and the use of avalanche control techniques. He emphasized the importance of educating local residents and visitors about avalanche hazards and safety practices.

Lesson Learned: Collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and avalanche control measures can effectively mitigate avalanche hazards and save lives.

Tips and Tricks

Tips for Assessing Avalanche Hazard:

Observe snowpack conditions: Look for signs of weak layers, surface hoar, and unstable snow structures.
Perform the LaChapelle Test: Use a ski pole or ice ax to probe the snowpack for weak layers.
Listen for whumfs: Be alert for the sound of collapsing snow layers, which could indicate potential avalanche danger.
Check avalanche forecasts: Consult with local avalanche centers for up-to-date information on avalanche hazards.

Tricks for Avoiding Avalanches:

Stay out of avalanche terrain: Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees when avalanche hazard is high.
Travel with a companion: Never go out alone in avalanche terrain.
Carry avalanche rescue gear: This includes a beacon, shovel, and probe.
Take an avalanche safety course: Learn from experienced avalanche professionals about risk assessment, decision-making, and rescue techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating the risk of avalanches: Avalanches can occur on slopes of any angle and in all types of snow conditions.
Ignoring warning signs: Whumfs, cracking noises, and unstable snowpack conditions should not be ignored.
Going out alone: Skiing or snowboarding alone in avalanche terrain is extremely dangerous.
Failing to carry avalanche rescue gear: Being properly equipped can save your life in an avalanche.
Overestimating your abilities: Even experienced backcountry users can get caught in avalanches.

Comparison of Pros and Cons

Pros:

Reduced avalanche fatalities through education and research
Improved avalanche forecasting and mitigation techniques
Increased awareness of avalanche hazards and safety practices
Preservation of wilderness areas and backcountry access

Cons:

Some avalanches cannot be predicted or mitigated
Avalanche safety education and equipment can be expensive
Avalanche safety practices can limit access to backcountry terrain
Risk perception and decision-making are difficult to teach and enforce

Conclusion

Tony Doyle LaChapelle was a visionary who transformed the field of avalanche science. His groundbreaking research, innovative education programs, and unwavering commitment to safety have saved countless lives and made winter recreation safer for all.

By following LaChapelle's teachings and embracing avalanche safety practices, we can continue to enjoy the mountains responsibly and minimize the risks of avalanches. His legacy will forever inspire us to learn from the past, mitigate hazards, and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the snow-covered wilderness.