Alpental Plea

This is tangential to the original thread, but I would like to voice my concern over the entire concept of the Alpy "backcountry."  To say that avalanche gear is *strongly recommended* is nothing short of insane. When I signed the forms for my Alpy BC permit, I brought my pack into the patroller hut, and was pulling out my beacon, probe and shovel (assuming they would need to check it), only to hear, "Oh, don't worry about that." WHAT? Most days back there, I'd estimate that maybe a third to a half of riders have packs on. Is it backcountry, or not? 

Out of "their" lot? It's Forest Service land and I'm sure there is some language in their lease to allow public access to Snow Lake..

Yes, I believe it's ok to access areas like snow lake. FYI the lot at the snow bridge is owned by the area. The area called "The Backcountry" is in the SUP. The patrol probably won't stop taking care of it anytime soon. In fact if proposed expansion plans go through.... well, just think about it.

I might suggest three ideas to be used in combination.

1) A signin board or log near the patrol room, that's there 24-7 outside.
2) Paper maps available there with nice exact terminology of all the subfeatures out in the near BC, similar to what's on the alpental com site.
3) A big notice that says: don't go up here without a GMRS radio. Post the frequency everyone should monitor (pick one without a subchannel).

Now, before controlling anything, patrol calls out on that frequency, noting specifically what they're about to cut or charge. Even the cheap little GMRS oughta be fine range for anyone that is in impending danger to ping back.

Also, if that day's GMRS message or something posted down below already, is: get the hell out we need to control everywhere. OK , that's reasonable, as long as that's really what needs to happen that particular day.

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I agree with skykilo.  Mt. Snoqulaimie sees steady traffic on and near the Phantom.  The current situation is not ideal.  A bc skier must guess whether control work may or may not occur on Mt. Snoqualimie based on conditions.  Now I agree with earlier comments here, conditions will scream "stay away!" if control work is needed on the other side of the valley, but there is now no formal way for those doing the control work to actually communicate with those using the other side.  Talking to those gearing-up in the parking lot adjacent to the sno-cat garage would probably catch 90% of the potential users, but what about the early risers and others possibly coming in from the Commonwealth side (rare, but possible)?  A place (web page, bulletin board by the bridge, etc) where the explosive control "plan of the day" for the current day, and a "proposed plan of the day" for the next day (this would help the early risers) would seem a fairly doable measure.  I also think a siren or radio call just prior to work would be wise.

I don't know Tony, part of the fun of an early morning tour along the phantom is the sudden shell shock of bombs going off behind you. It sometimes feels like they are going off in my back pocket. "smells like victory"

Well I hope there's a good solution in here somewhere that will keep everyone happy. I'm glad Alpy is able to open now, and I am also glad the BC is shaping up so it won't be as needed.