Photo by Wren McElroy

This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 issue of The Avalanche Journal

By Walter Bruns

From vol. 120, spring 2019

Kobi Wyss was CMH Guiding Operations Manager back around 1990. He came to me one day and said (almost a direct quote – something like): “Hey, there’s this guide from Utah who wants to work here. He’s a physicist and really good with computer stuff. Even built a database for snow observations. Do you think we should hire him?”

The name Roger Atkins was familiar. His work in the avalanche patch was already well recognized. His experience at Wasatch Powderbird Guides was extensive. I replied on the spot: “If we can get a work permit, HIRE HIM!”

So this soft-spoken, somewhat shy, square-jawed, broad-shouldered guy shows up in Banff. There was a lively intensity and unbounded intellectual curiosity about him. He went to work in BC. He brought his computer with his guiding gear. He loved all things Canadian. He made a career and a home here.

“Snowbase” evolved dramatically over some 30 years. Roger built on his original concept, adapting it continuously to the needs of a complex operation. He did a lot of this work while guiding full shifts, in his spare time, or on his own time. He collaborated closely with CMH Snow Safety Director Colani Bezzola. Oh to be a fly on the wall in the room where Roger and Colani were debating their (rather strongly held and often quite distinct) views on what the software could do, should do, would do, or not; depending!

Roger’s creation grew out of the environment that he grew into. He’ll be the first to acknowledge the influence and contributions of so many of his colleagues and peers. Snowbase was truly ground-breaking work, showing the way for development of related systems such as the CAA’s InfoEx and Avalanche Canada’s public interfaces.

But lively intensity and unbounded intellectual curiosity do not rest. Roger still guides at Galena. As Werner Munter once observed: “My god, you people LIVE IN THE SNOW!” Yes, when you dig steps down to your front door, or wallow to the study plot, and spend most days out in the mountains, you very much become a product of your environment.

Roger looked into the minds of the guides he worked with, and he looked within himself. He saw patterns of attitude, belief and behaviour emerge. Ever the physicist, he identified, categorized and sought functional relationships. He implemented ideas and tested them with the team. He has given us the concept of “Strategic Mindset.”

What we do with it is up to us.