http://kuow.org en http://kuow.org/post/avalanche-deaths-inspire-safety-efforts-backcountry-skiing-and-snowboarding <p>As the slopes open, skiers’ and snowboarders’ giddy enthusiasm is overshadowed by an accident near Stevens Pass last season.&nbsp; Three people were killed: Jim Jack, Johnny Brenan and Chris Rudolph.&nbsp; They were caught in an avalanche in the nearby backcountry — the wilderness just outside the Stevens Pass ski resort, unmonitored by ski patrol. &nbsp;Jack, Brennan and Rudolph were all well-known and experienced skiers in the Washington ski scene.</p><p> Wed, 21 Nov 2012 20:55:43 +0000 Sara Lerner 3988 at http://kuow.org Avalanche Deaths Inspire Safety Efforts In Backcountry Skiing And Snowboarding