Resources Of The Pros- OGRS

In case you haven't noticed it's been raining this summer, a lot. Now that might be fine for you hardened mountain bikers but for us climbers, hikers and fishermen it does make things a little less enjoyable. On the plus side, it's been a great summer to catch up on some reading. I am a huge fan of technical manuals and I am an even bigger fan of free technical manuals. 

There are many resources out there that are free and not necessarily advertised. I will add more of these in the future but today's example is "Observation Guidelines & Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches (OGRS) – 2016 Edition". 

Is this something that every backcountry user needs to read cover to cover? No of course not but there is useful information for those looking to improving their skills taking in data points for their own backcountry decision making.  It's also useful to be familiar with the language that professionals use to get the most pertinent information from condition reports posted online.  What does "ECTM ( RP )" ↓ 65 on / " even mean man? Well, now you can know by reading the OGRS while you look out the window at all this fire preventing rain.