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Show Instrument tower at Alta, Utah. Right front: snowfall intensity gage. Left front: precipitation intensity gage. Center rear: precipitation intensity gage. In the U. S. Avalanche study in the United States had a much less ambitious beginning. In the winter of 1937- 38, one man, Forest Ranger C. D. Wadsworth, was detailed to Alta in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah as a full- time snow and avalanche observer. However, the fundamental reason for the assignment was the same as in Switzerland - necessity. The abandoned mining camp was being developed as the first true alpine winter sports area in this country. Despite its dubious history, Alta presented an unusual combination of favorable conditions: ideal skiing terrain and climate plus the essential item of a large city within easy driving distance to assure a winter recreation development of support. The Forest Service planners who recommended Alta, F. C. Koziol and Alf Engen, were fully aware of its avalanche - 9 - |