Tahoe Backcountry Radio

California Avalanche Workshop

Jamie Morgan, TBR Program Lead

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol

October 19, 2025

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Agenda

• What are Community Radio channels
• How to use community radio
• How we defined zones
• Survey and community meeting consensus
• Building awareness with Signs, Stickers and events
• Q&A

The Problem

Most people own radios, but 25% of Tahoe skiers don’t use a radio because they don’t know who to talk with with

No defined channels to communicate with other users

In an emergency, it is difficult to call for help with limited cell coverage

Family Radio Service (FRS) radios are popular

• BCA Link, Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio, Motorola
• Range 2-5 miles
• No license required $40-$180

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How Does it Work?

• Each popular backcountry area is assigned one of four zones with an FRS channel
• Other areas use a common channel: 5-30
• Zones are smaller (3-5 miles)
• Other users can help in emergency
• Limits chatter
• Online Zone Map and Trailhead signs post the assigned channel

tbradio.org/map

How to Use Backcountry Radio

Examples of standard usage between groups:

• Sharing potential hazards �We see a weak layer CT9 down 10 cm on Jake’s north trees at 8,000’
• Entering complex terrain�We are about to enter Emerald Chute, is anyone below?
• When clear of a given line or area�We are clear of Eagle Chute. We observed a sluff on skier’s right half way down
• Please respect the community channel and move your group communications to a different channel

Examples for emergency situations:

• Send a distress call for assistance in case of an accident
• Request another group to call 911 if without service

Guidelines for Zones

• Backcountry zones should:
• Public lands
• Boundaries use natural features
• Not commercial ski areas
• Established winter trailhead(s)
• Sufficient usage
• Maximum 3-5 miles
• Other areas use regional 5-30 channel.

Link to Detailed Guidelines

Planned Zones

https://tahoebackcountryradio.org/map

Survey & Community Meeting Results

• 80 Respondents 40% have heard of BC radio
• Backcountry ski days
• Median 10 & 35
• Volunteers
• Zone definitions 32
• Trail stewards > 20 days/yr 21
• Avalanche educators 10
• Retailers 5

Where do you ski most often in the Lake Tahoe region?

Survey Responses

In the backcountry, I usually ski...

What type of user are you?

25% Don;t take a radio because they have no one to talk to on radio

Do you carry a radio?

Community Awareness Strategy

Trailhead Signs

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Community Partnerships

Avalanche Educators �

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Brochures & Stickers

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Trailhead Signs

• 22 Zones with approximately 32 trailheads
• Channel number and privacy code
• QR code links to more information

The Plan

August

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Launch website

Press coverage

Community survey

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September

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Community Meetings

Branding

Finalize zones

Trailhead stewards

October

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Produce stickers, brochures & signs

Educational outreach

Recruit retailers

November

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Install trail signs

Mountainfilm & Warren Miller

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How YOU Can Help!

• Include TBR slides in your avalanche training
• Volunteer as a trail steward
• Buy a radio!
• Share with your friends!

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Trailhead Stewards

• Stewards help manage signs at assigned trailheads
• Trailhead check-in report with sign condition and radio usage
• Stewards evangelize the program and help us improve it

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Future Projects

• Support Backcountry Radio at other areas in California
• Leverage Tahoe Publicity & Program
• Advocate for a Statewide California Emergency Channel
• Colorado established 3-0 for communication with subjects during emergency operations. Wyoming 3-07
• https://coloradosar.org/frs-radio-use-for-backcountry-sar-position-paper-04-10-23/

Resources

• TahoeBackcountryRadio.org website
• Community Meeting Presentation
• TBR Zone Guidelines
• Zones Map
• GeoJSON (to import to other map apps)
• TBR Zones and Trailheads List

Q & A

Thanks!

For more information, contact:

Jamie Morgan

Jamie@TahoeBackcountryRadio.org