
The Avalanche Hour Podcast 8.13 William Sherman - Safeback
Jan 8, 2024
Joel Gratz, founder of OpenSnow, shares his journey in providing tailored weather forecasts that enhance skiing experiences. William Sherman, originally from Colorado and now in Norway, discusses Safeback's SBX technology aimed at extending survival rates for avalanche victims. He highlights the importance of the first moments after burial and the system's research-backed effectiveness. Both guests stress that while technology can improve safety, sound judgment remains vital in the unpredictable backcountry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Snow Airflow
- Snow contains significant amounts of air, making supplemental air systems feasible.
- A 2019 study demonstrated supplemental air's ability to improve buried subjects' vitals.
Military Testing
- Safeback partnered with the Norwegian armed forces for product testing.
- Soldiers provided feedback on early product iterations in real-world winter conditions.
ICAR Study
- A recent independent double-blind study at ICAR evaluated Safeback's efficacy.
- The study included snow density measurements and physiological parameter monitoring.


