Community Radio for Safer Backcountry Travel
Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol (TBSP.org) have created the Tahoe Backcountry Radio Program. The program allows recreational users in the same connected terrain to use common FRS radio channels to communicate about avalanche conditions, coordinate travel in complex terrain and render aid in event of emergency.
Backcountry Community Radio was developed in Telluride ten years ago; now used in 12 regions across CO, UT, and WA.
Complete our usage survey to be entered to win a Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio.
Trailhead Community Outreach Events
- Note that all events are at risk due to lack of snow.
- March 15 – Tamarack Peak, due to lack of snow in Johnson Canyon
- April 4 – Tamarack
- April 11 – Carson Pass (in collaboration with the Eldorado Backcountry Ski Patrol) CANCELED
- Since weather may impact these events, review the latest information on TBR events page and TBSP’s social media (Facebook, Instagram).
Radio Basics for Shared Terrain
Radio Setup & Use
- Bring an FRS radio such as BCA or Rocky Talkie (dual-channel recommended)
Before your trip
- Set the community channel (privacy code 30) for your trailhead
- Choose a partner channel next to the community channel
At the trailhead
- Check in on the community channel to let others know people are monitoring the channel.
- Dual-channel radios: Monitor partner + community channels
- Single-channel radios: Use community channel; announce when switching
When to Use the Community Channel
- Hazards observed
- Entering complex terrain
- Clear of a line or feature
- Emergency or no cell service
- Check in at trailhead
Radio etiquette
- Move to another channel for extended chatter
- Keep messages brief
Please read the article in Tahoe Daily Tribune for a good overview of the program. It gives the human perspective. The article also appeared in the Tahoe Magazine winter issue on page 98. We were also featured in The High Route.
Trail Stewards are our advocates
Trail Stewards are our advocates on the trail. The functions we would like you to perform are:
- Prominently carry your radio and demonstrate good usage
- Ask people on the trail if they have heard of Backcountry Community Radio
- Monitor the trail signs and radio usage
- Use the trail check-in page to report missing or damaged signs, radio usage by others and how we can improve the program
Trail Steward training presentation
If you would like to volunteer, please complete our community survey.
See the events page for details.
Tahoe Radio Zones
- View Tahoe zones map in Caltopo. It is easier to view if you change the base map to forest service.
- Tahoe Backcountry Community Radio brochure
- Other California regions Caltopo - Let us know if you would like to promote community radio in your region.
Subscribe to Our Emails
- Take our survey to let us know your needs, how you can help and subscribe.
