TBSP Avi 1

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is excited to offer an NSP Avalanche Level 1 course this season in January 2024. Due to changes in the NSP Avalanche program, this is one of few courses offered in FWD this season. Please share with your patrollers.

 

Take your ski patrolling skills to the next level and join Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol for an NSP Avalanche Level 1 course this season! See attached details and contact the IOR (ian.bolliger@tbsp.org) for more information.

 

Classroom: 1800-2000: 9, 11, 16, 18 Jan 2024, Online (Zoom)

Field (choose one): 0800-1700: 27-28 Jan 2024; 0800-1700: 3-4 Feb 2024, Truckee, CA

2024 TBSP AVYL1 Poster

 

November 14 Mountain Update

Palisades Mtn Update
November 14 th , 2023

This email has info on the following:
Google Link for “sign ups”, Complex 6 & 7 info, Ticket Voucher status and “When can I start
patrolling”!

So here goes:
The google link used last season to advise if you planned to patrol on a certain weekend has
been updated with current info and is ready for your use. It can be found at
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B3WqHUU2hfM2qSzVMkWnKOA5QCoIHnx-pWCg2nvdBd0/edit#gid=0
Complex 6 and 7 job duties and descriptions received an overhaul over the summer months.
The final versions are attached herewith and will be posted in the locker room.
Ticket Vouchers BrianB is coordinating with RASS to procure the initial allotment of ticket
vouchers for those on the ticket voucher program. The process remains similar to last year, in
that advance vouchers will be available to those on the ticket voucher program. REMEMBER –
regardless of ticket Plan or Family Pass Plan participation you’ll need to execute the Arbitration
and ROL Waivers prior to … (See TomW’s email with the details) so pls don’t delay
When Can / Should I Start Patrolling is anybody’s guess at this point. The most recent
weather update, coupled with operations update, seemed to indicate perhaps Snow Ventures
may be the Opening Day offerings. No NSP required. Typically if the terrain options are limited
to the lower mountain snow making areas (parts of Complex1) then it’s a good idea not to
appear just yet.

Weekly Update 3/29

G’Day Palisades NSP,
In this message there’s an Ops update (topics covered during AM meetings and incident debriefs); information about Winter Wonder Grass parking; a review of the Shirley upload (sled with patient) procedure and a request to use the Signup sheet.
Safety
Remember COVID? Yep it’s still a thing as many can attest. I had a bout back in late January. Isolation and home care only, but it kept me away from family (including NSP) for a couple weeks. Several folks asked if we (Pali Patrol) have any specific COVID protocols this season. No we don’t, so please follow current CA guidelines (COVID-19.ca.gov).
Way to go Chris! It’s been a couple weeks since Chris shared his experience dealing with an open tib/fib (with compromised CMS) below the Mora, but it’s worth sharing a couple aspects that he mentioned. First was control of bleeding. Chris used his clot stopper and an Israeli bandage to control significant bleeding. Having the items in his vest expedited treatment by not having to wait for the trauma pack. We have access to these supplies from the first aid cabinet at 262. Second is boot removal. This was required before the air crew took over and our standard OEC method wasn’t practical so the boot had to be cut off. Several responders tried their trauma sheers with no luck. Chris has a set that did the job. Ask him for details about these sheers.
Ops Update
We are all trained first responders and want to render aid to guests and help our mates. We are inclined to head to a scene, especially critical incidents to help out and that’s a good thing. To a point…
  • Please be “resource aware” when you arrive to help patrollers all ready on scene.
  • Unless you were dispatched to that scene it’s very likely you, as a resource, are more valuable getting up higher to be ready for the next incident.
Outpost and Complex 7 for Funitel downloads. NSP assistance here keeps the Pros available Pro tasks likes sno mobiles, etc.
  • Patrollers routinely call for assistance (Sand Rider, Wheeliebob, lifting) to move patients from a sled, to a device, and then to the base area.
  • This call typically goes to the Outpost.
    • EVERYONE in the Gold Coast area (e.g. Outpost, 272, Arc, Ramp Run, 265, etc.) should be listening for a response. If none is heard, then identify yourself and location and offer to assist.
  • When assigned to Comp 3 and 4 ALWAYS keep your “ears on” by listening for incidents that might result in a Funitel download (basically anything above 267).
    • If you’re not assigned to another task then position yourself to assist with the Funitel download.
Shirley Sweep. There are many moving parts needed to close Shirley Canyon at 3:30. If you’re not assigned something specific at 3:30 get in a position to assist with one of the following:
  • Mainline Pocket closure, Funnel closure, Emigrant closure, Hidden Bowl closure and sweep, Emigrant closure.
  • Shirley Closed signage deployment. Don’t leave this to the Sno Mo driver.
  • Reminder-Patroller clearing the Mora continues over to Top of Shirley lift and puts away the signs there (get what/where details from your Deputy).
Speaking of Shirley. Please review the Shirley up load procedure (loaded sled) on the Slack Training channel. There will be a diagram (thanks Philip!) and written procedure posted there soon.
WinterWonderGrass
Starts this Friday and runs through Sunday. Parking behind the Clock Tower is impacted. For example employees are required to park elsewhere. Pros are scheduled to work the event, so no need to don your vest and wonder over. Here’s a link to additional info WinterWonderGrass.
NSP Signup Sheet
Please use the sheet to communicate your intentions for this weekend (and beyond). Speaking of schedules-Maddie and Tom are contacting venues for our Spring Party tentatively planned for Saturday 4/29.
Cheers!
Paul P.

2/15 Weekly Update

G’Day Palisades NSP,
This email has a Safety note; an Operations update (mostly World Cup info) and a request to use the NSP Signup sheet.
We added another Red Jacket to the roster this past weekend. This patroller was part of last season’s candidate class, but sustained an injury and was unable to complete their training. So this season included a couple weekends with this year’s candidates and few more shadow days. Congratulations Marc and it’s great to see flying our colors!
Speaking of flying our colors-when you decide to wear your uniform jacket you must be rescue ready (first aid gear and radio if one is available). That cross identifies you as a first responders and brings with it a duty to act when someone reports an emergency. You’re required to act in accordance with Palisades Patrol and OEC standards.
Safety
We’ve had more than a couple Patrollers injured this season. Knees and a shoulder that required formal medical treatment (including surgery in a couple cases). Some occurred while free skiing and some while in uniform. I’m not there’s a common thread we can learn from their misfortunes. So what can we do? At a minimum stay fit and make sure your gear is maintained. I’m “listening” to my body more this season, and it means skiing different lines later in the day.
Operations Update
World Cup race preparation is underway! Grooming and Race departments have the terrain roped off for course prep. Will shared that he is very busy coordinating with multiple agencies. Think Homeland Security and FBI; CHP and Oly Fire and lots in between. There’s a 10 page fact sheet posted to our Slack General channel. Here’s a little of what we can expect:
  • First is traffic. Lots of it.
    • In addition to the race event Ski Week starts this weekend (Friday). Plan accordingly.
    • Pali has a couple strategies to reduce employee vehicle traffic during the race.
      • If any are available to NSP we will communicate that separately.
    • Plan to park in the Clock Tower area.
  • Red Dog chair will be used exclusively by “credentialed” race participants.
    • The 12 Pros assigned to the event will need a credential to load the lift.
    • Will and Steve are putting a contingency in place for unplanned events (e.g. chair evac).
  • Resort Chair will be exclusively for Resort guests.
  • Spectator access is primarily from Far East.
    • There will be a bottleneck getting down Lower RD Face since the course is roped off.
    • A traversing RD Ridge provides access to the upper specatator areas.
    • We hope to allow Patrollers (Pro and NSP) assigned to other complexes an opportunity to spectate. This is very dependent on a number of factors (complex coverage, “blood clot” effect, etc.) so Supervisor or Deputy permission is mandatory.
  • Expect a strong Law Enforcement presence.
    • There will be officers in uniform and civilian ski wear as well as World Cup security staff.
NSP Signup Sheet
A couple questions came up regarding Complex 6 and 7 requests via the Signup sheet. The process has been to assume that’s your assignment if you requested it, unless you hear/read otherwise.  Thanks!
Cheers,
Paul P.

Weekly Update 2/1

G’Day Palisades NSP,
In this email there’s information about Training (Tahoe Forest Case review, CE’s); a radio reminder and request to use the NSP Signup Sheet to communicate your Patrol plans.
Thanks to Rob and Judy for reviving Pali Vali’s commitment to have a Senior Program. For decades each of us was expected to become a “Senior Patroller” within 5 years of joining the Patrol. The program takes our patrol skills to another level by focussing on scene management versus patient treatment. Senior Training uses practice scenarios that require decision making and treatment/transportation plan development that rely on OEC and Sled skills. Multiple patients or multi-trauma are the normal. Training started last week with awesome support from Mark P, David S and Bill H.
Training
Tahoe Forest’s monthly Winter Injury Case Review Meeting is next Tuesday. Tony’s case was reviewed last month, as well a tragic Snow Blower Accident at Mammoth. These Case Reviews, done via Zoom, provide insight into our role on scene by looking at actions performed by the whole treatment chain team-first responder>transporting agency(s)>hospital. Just click the link in our Slack Training Channel to sign up. Additionally we (Tom W, Tom K and Greg Y) are considering a way to give CE credit to participants.
Greg Y is planning a CE for Edge Auditor. He reached out to Ben Leech for his ideas on focus areas. Ben’s focus areas are documented in the Training Slack Channel. Here’s the high level stuff:
  • All Patroller names are listed in pull down.
  • “Marked Ski Run” selection MUST have location selected from the pull down to work. If it isn’t listed then get close and free hand the exact spot.
  • Proof read what you write before you submit.
  • Description is the guest’s statement starting with “I…”
  • There’s 7 pages to get through before saving and submitting.
Radio Usage
Have you ever stood at a scene, with a hand at your radio, ready to transmit your scene information? It can be frustrating when you waste a minute standing there while multiple transmissions go back and forth. So what can we do?
  • First we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, so listen before you transmit. Make sure you don’t interrupt an on-going transmission.
  • If you hear a critical Patrol or Maintenance incident, being actively managed with radios, consider using a phone.
  • If you hear “10-3” come across your radio it means “stop transmitting”. Typically used to stop non-emergency traffic so a critical incident can be communicated.
  • Most important-make your transmission concise, precise and to the point with a minimum number of syllables.
NSP Signup Sheet
Keep up the good work! Will, Steve, Brian, Tom, the Deputies and I use the spreadsheet to make decisions about assignments. We also refer to projected numbers when scheduling resources to help teach hands-on training like the Senior Program, Candidates and Avalanche sessions that can pull resources from the Hill.
Also please consider patrolling during the World Cup 2/24-2/26.
Cheers,
Paul P.

NSP Weekly Update 1/25

G’Day Palisades NSP,
In this message there’s information about Attendance to Date; Mountain Operations and a request to us the NSP Signup Sheet to indicate your Patrol plans.
Brian P was first on scene to a serious incident in Silverado last Saturday. Brian reported a 15 yo male with facial and head pain after a high speed fall in the area of Mr. Toad’s and Frag and Toad’s.  GCS of 15, no other complaint of pain. Brian got the resources he wanted coming to site (exit of Toad’s). Then the patient’s GCS level started dropping ultimately ending at 11 with a combative patient. The concern was possible brain injury so the patient was flown out. He received reconstructive surgery (orbital/facial fx) the next day. No other injuries were discovered.
To hear Brian describe what was going on at the scene it was pretty chaotic with multiple radio calls, patient’s father talking to him, and a rapidly worsening condition. Don’t be surprised if you see this event replicated in a training session.
Attendance
We are about 40% of the way through our season (2 of 5 months). If you’re getting a weekend of patrolling each month, plus another day or 2, you’re on track to meet your 14 day commitment. 40% of our 14 is 6 days (5.6). Over 50 patrollers are on track-THANKS! Please check the Admin Channel in Slack to see where you are….
Mountain Ops
This week we’re focussed on some basic Patrol Duty reminders.
  • Always stop and offer assistance when you see a patroller working a project. I know it sounds obvious but Brian and I received reports that it isn’t happening all the time. Steve and Lori don’t appreciate working projects when we’re lapping past them.
  • We are currently investigating a report of Patrol Line misuse. Patrol line privileges are intended for uniformed Patrollers only. Bringing a friend/significant other with you is not allowed. And it is very visible to guests and employees.
  • All sweep routes are designed with rally points, and some have formal “wave offs”. Make sure you know where these are so that sweep can progress safely and efficiently.
  • 67 Gael says “Set it deeper”. Please check out Gael’s training vids (Slack Training channel) to see what he means.
Signup Sheet
Please continue to use the NSP Signup Sheet to communicate your Patrol plans. Also thanks to those who are coming in for World Cup weekend and the preparation leading up to it.
In signing off this week I want to acknowledge that our contributions on the hill are valued by Will and Steve. Is there room to improve? Absolutely, so please take my Mt  Ops comments in the spirit in which they’re intended-an improvement opportunity.
Cheers,
Paul P.

December 7th Weekly Update

G’day Palisades NSP,
In this communication you’ll find information about a couple safety concerns; Ski Bikes; an Ops update and a request for patrollers using the new NSP Signup Sheet.
First though, I was in the locker room after patrolling yesterday when Plex came down looking for Barney.  I explained that Barney is way more efficient than I am at getting up the stairs, so he was gone and asked how I could help.  Plex wanted to pass along what a great job Barney did as the first on-scene to an injured guest.  The elderly guest left by ambulance and later had surgery to stabilize a closed rib/fib.  Scene safety was an issue, MOI was a collision so there was lots going and Plex said Barney “handled it all like a Pro”.  Thanks for representing the volunteer crew so well Barney!
Safety
The walkway between the Plaza (new paver stone area between Funi, Base to Base, Members) and the clinic is steep and winding.  To mitigate the risk of slipping the area will be sprayed with brine before storms and there is a yellow tub with salt and sand by the clinic – throw a cup of this material on ice if/when you see it.  Also the OVFD (ambulance crews) will meet patrollers at the plaza, instead of the clinic, for patient transfers so there’s fewer ski boots on this walkway.
Make sure that the carbon composite O2 bottles are paired with  3000 PSI regulator. If you’re unsure what this means please ask your deputy, especially if you’re tasked with checking O2 equipment or changing bottles.  The risk of getting this wrong is over-pressuring the regulator with a catastrophic result.
Ski Bikes
The resort policy is attached.  Here’s the highlights:
  • These devices are for adaptive skier use.  Only.
  • They must pass an inspection by select Pali Pro Patrollers before loading a lift.
  • A sticker is issued for the device after it passes inspection
image.png
Ops Update
Reverse Traverse opened yesterday and the Pros were working hard to get KT set up today.  Red Dog cable installation is underway – didn’t see/hear about a new start date for RD so still targeting mid December.
We’ve pretty much unpacked everything that came out of the old 262 and stored in a container.  But we have not located the memorial plaques or Patroller photos (they were displayed on a metal board above the tuning bench).  Please let Brian or me know if you have an idea where we can find them.
Request for Patrollers
More terrain has opened up so the restricted head count is lifted.  This weekend is a deputy meeting and candidate orientation so there should be a great group of people to enjoy the stormy weather!
We are now using an on line tool to communicate patrol plans.  Please use this link NSP Signup Sheet to pick your patrol days.  This replaces the “email me back” process.  So no need to email that you plan to patrol.  Once you’re at the spread sheet on you smart device:
  • Find your name.
  • Scroll to the dates you intend to patrol.
  • Click the cell for that date and select from a pull down menu.
    • Yes = you plan to patrol any area assigned.
    • Yes-6 = you’re requesting to Comp 6 (Mt Run standby 11-sweep).
      • There is a max of 4 for this assignment and some other limits (more on that in the coming weeks).
    • Yes-7 = you’re requesting Funi standby 11-sweep.
      • There is a max of 4 for this assignment and some other limits (more on that in the coming weeks).
    • Maybe = you might be up.
    • No = an easy method to change your status if your plans change.
  • As of now you can pick dates well into the future, but please make sure you meet that commitment, or update it.
  • Complex 6 and 7 requestors will get a confirmation email so you can plan your arrival time.
Please do not make format or text changes.  Let me if you have a change request.

December 1st Weekly Update

In this email you’ll find information about Austria Haus (AH); an Operations update; a description of a scheduling tool we’ll use soon; and a request for patrollers.
Next time you visit the locker room check out the radios and chargers.  A couple patrollers did a great job organizing things.  Thanks Abdi and Brian!  Tom and Brian hung some of our air work and some of the international flags mounted.  Thanks a ton as the place is starting to show its character.
Safety
Please confirm your beacon is rescue ready (especially your ability to use it?) and you have your shovel and probe if you’re patrolling this weekend.
AH
Key pad is installed and uses the 4 digit phone number from our old space followed by a # sign.  Emergency egress door (bottom of the stairs) is now fixed in the unlocked position.
Boot dryer work is ongoing with electrical supply being the limiting factor.  The blue rack system is functioning.
Ops Update
Limited ops today (Resort Chair and First Ventures) as the first in a series of storms rolled into the Sierra today.  Open Snow is forecasting 3′-5′ from the series.  More terrain will likely open soon, but as of last word we’re limiting NSP numbers to 6 on the weekends (Fr-Su) and 2 mid week. JUST IN – Resort chair on patrol hold 14:20 hours, and closed shortly thereafter…..
Red Dog towers are complete and spools for cable work were scheduled to fly last Friday.
Schedule Tool
The Board and several patrollers tested a couple on line schedule options intended to replace the “email me back” process currently in place.  We tried a Google Calendar based method and an excel spreadsheet and decided on the spreadsheet option.  Working final set up details with a live version currently available to view on the Palisades NSP mobile shared drive (formally called aa Squaw Valley mobile).  Here’s a link to the Palisades NSP mobile drive if you don’t have it.  The spreadsheet is avail there in view mode….
A link to the spreadsheet will be included in a weekly update when we go live.
Request for Patrollers
Please email me back if you would like to Patrol this weekend.  Remember there’s a limit on how many of us are needed.

November 23 Weekly Update

Happy Thanksgiving!!  In this email there’s a brief Operations update and a request for patrollers.
First thanks to Daniel and Rick for fabricating a beautiful piece of furniture for our locker room.  Daniel, Bob and Abdi installed it this week and it will serve as our sign in desk and radio station (picture below).
Ops Update
The resort Chair opened this week.  Access is via resort shuttle.  Upper mountain terrain and lifts unchanged from last week.
Red Dog towers are being flown in this week.  One good thing about clear weather is construction on the new lift.
Request for Patrollers
We’re limited on our numbers until more terrain opens.  Please email me back if you plan to patrol between Thanksgiving and next week.  I’ll get back to that group of volunteers to confirm plans.
Also we’re getting close to a “self serve” scheduling tool that will be www based and accessible via smart phone.  This tool will eliminate the need for email responses in the future.  Weekly emails will still go out, but be focussed on new information.
Cheers,
Paul P. IMG_7097.jpeg

November 17 Weekly Update

In this update you’ll find information about Austria Haus (AH), and early season patrolling.
First off-thanks to those of you want their first Patrol Day and to help get the magnificent Palisades resort up and going.  Also thanks to Dave K and Bob for spending multiple hours/days getting the Locker Room rescue ready.  And then there’s the awesome, custom Sign In station built by Daniel and Rick-it’s going in Saturday.  Truly incredible to be part of this Patrol Family……
Safety Note
Nothing new other than a reminder about our new Patrol Home.  It’s got some stairways (internal and enclosed external) that are unique to Austria House.  Use the hand rails please.  And look for that step down at the west end of our space.
Austria Haus (AH)
Lockers will be identified by name when you get there and are move in ready!  An extra name tag will be left in your locker, top shelf. It’s for your boot dryer spot so hold onto it until we’re sure about the layout.
An electrical upgrade is underway for boot dryers with completion TBD (new crew walked the job 11/15).  Please give the workers space if they’re there when you are.  If they need assistance contact Brian B, Will, Steve H or Don B.
The Pro’s have been doing everything in their power to make our new home the best it can be.  Not only did they install the lockers but they got all our stuff out of storage and delivered it!
Early Season Patrol
Operating plans like “Gold Coast only” limit the number of volunteers that are needed on the hill.  See our web page’s Recent Announcement link to review last week’s Update on how we are currently handling things.  Changes will be communicated before the next weekend.  As of now we have enough patrollers for early opening through the Thanksgiving Weekend.