Ten new beacon checker stations help snow riders be better prepared for backcountry adventures.
Jackson, Wyo. — Backcountry users now have access to 10 additional avalanche beacon checker stations thanks to a partnership between AMPL and Teton County Search and Rescue Foundation. Several of the new stations provide safety messaging and infrastructure to areas frequented by snowmobilers. The new stations are located at the following trailheads: Coal Creek, Phillips Bench, Mosquito Creek, North Fork Fall Creek, Dog Creek/Pritchard, Cliff Creek, Brush Creek (Toppings Lake), with another three going up on Togwotee Pass, including top of Togwotee, Breccia Cliffs access, and Angle Mountain access.
Will Mook from AMPL demonstrates the new beacon checker station at Mosquito Creek. Photo: TCSAR Foundation
The process started two years ago when AMPL raised the funds to purchase five beacon checker stations. TCSAR Foundation, through its Backcountry Zero initiative, helped raise money for additional stations from a local men’s group alongside the Stephen P. Adamson, Jr., Memorial Fund.
“AMPL's goal of installing beacon checkers was to promote safe, responsible recreation by bringing avalanche awareness to popular trailheads around the county,” said Will Mook, Executive Director of AMPL. “Beacon checkers serve as a great reminder that the terrain accessible from these trailheads can be consequential avalanche terrain, and users should be prepared before leaving the parking lot. If these signs save just one life, they will have been worth the investment.”
Each station includes a QR code directly to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center forecast, a checklist for proper safety equipment, and prompts to consider the consequences of your decisions. They also include a flashing indicator that shows whether your avalanche beacon is transmitting.
The green circle indicates that your avalanche beacon is properly transmitting. Photo: TCSAR Foundation
“The beacon checkers are an amazing resource, both to answer the ‘are you beeping question’ and to visually remind people that this is something to stop and think about before heading out,” said Liz King, Associate Director for TCSAR Foundation. “While they don’t replace a proper transceiver check with your partners, these units will help ensure no one enters the backcountry without a transmitting beacon.”