Simon Trautman grew up running around in hay fields outside of Lander, Wyoming. Following a stint as a US Navy Corpsman, he earned a BS in Geology at Western Washington University and an MS in Earth Science from Montana State University. His research focused on wet snow avalanche phenomena. He has worked as an avalanche forecaster for the Moonlight Basin Ski Patrol, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and the Sawtooth Avalanche Center (where he served as the Director from 2012-2014). Simon joined the National Avalanche Center in the summer of 2014.  Simon is the current acting director of the National Avalanche Center.  In this episode, we chat about the history of US avalanche centers, the role of the NAC in guiding US avalanche centers in a common direction, and some of the recent developments of the Avalanche Center Dashboard.  Simon explains what goes into writing an avalanche forecast, and the best way for the public to use the forecast.  
Music by Ketsa

www.avalanche.org

Backcountry Avalanche Forecasts Explained: 
https://youtu.be/UJTynkEwllY

An Introduction to the North American Danger Scale: https://youtu.be/r_-KpOu7tbA

Avalanche Problems Explained:
https://youtu.be/DkbnT_9-cHU

Braille Mountain Initiative Climbathon: https://www.braillemountaininitiative.com/climb-a-thon

7.12 Simon Trautman

Season 8 of The Fine Line begins with a story from one of the most recognizable features of the southern Teton range, and a ski line that makes even the bravest skiers buckle their boots a little bit tighter: Cody Peak’s Central Couloir.

On Saturday March 18, 2023, skiers Will Brown and Jacqueline Dickey dropped into Central after hiking out to the top of Cody from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram. What happened next forever changed their relationship to skiing and big, complex mountains.

We also hear from Jackson Hole Ski Patroller Jeff Burke, who helps explain how different responding agencies come together to perform rescues in the JHMR backcountry—and how a pair of skis took the long road to get back to Jacqueline.

If you are looking for mental health support, please visit Mental Health & Recovery Services of Jackson Hole, or dial the national crisis and suicide prevention hotline at 988. As we hear in this episode, mental health is a backcountry safety issue.

Interviews and writing by Matt Hansen. Editing and sound by Melinda Binks. The interviews were recorded in the studios of KHOL 89.1 FM.

The Fine Line theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music provided by Ben Winship. Original artwork by Jen Reddy.

The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with additional support by Roadhouse Brewing Company and KHOL.

53. No Fall Zone: Central Couloir

Are you ready to say yes to life? Are you ready to surrender to it? Did you know that these two concepts are also one and the same?

If surrendering sounds like giving up, if it's difficult for you or if you're not even sure where to begin, this episode is for you! Join in to listen to stories of and lessons from moments of utter surrender from my own life (aka Suckville). 

Then we'll embark on a guided meditation together designed to help you take the first important step to saying yes to both life and healing.

Live From Suckville 

24: How to Say Yes to Life

Season 8 of The Fine Line concludes with a wild story that demonstrates how there will always be people who go right up to the edge in the Tetons, and venture beyond it despite the risks.

The story includes the keen perspectives of Teton County Search & Rescue volunteer Anthony Stevens and TCSAR Chief Pilot Steve Wilson, and how they rescued local snowboarder Sasha Motivala after a traumatic accident on No Name Peak back in April. 

Please tune in for this thought-provoking conversation about risk tolerance, decision-making, and the lifesaving skillsets of Teton County Search & Rescue.

Produced by Backcountry Zero, Season 8 of The Fine Line is presented by Stio, with support from Roadhouse Brewing Co., Arc'teryx and KHOL. 

Editing for The Fine Line is by Melinda Binks, with original artwork by Jen Reddy. The theme song is by Anne and Pete Sibley, with additional music produced by Ben Winship. Interview and storytelling by Matt Hansen.

Thank you so much for listening to The Fine Line. If you like what you hear, please leave us a review and share it with a friend.

59: No Name: How Far Are You Willing to Go?

Blending the wisdom of the earth, the animals and plants with myths and real stories of overcoming adversity and trauma to create original tales that heal the land and the humans who live on it.

The Fine Line podcast tells real stories of adventure, risk and rescue in the backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Fine Line is produced by Backcountry Zero, a project from the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation that uses storytelling to elevate backcountry preparedness.

New tracks tagged #backcountryskiing