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. The program has rolled out in twelve regions across Colorado, Washington and the Wasatch in Utah.
How to use Backcountry Community Radio
- Get an FRS radio, preferably dual channel like BCA Link Mini or Rocky Talkie Expedition radio.
When Trip Planning
- Lookup your planned trailhead in Caltopo to find the assigned channel
- Set the community channel and privacy code(always 30)
- Pick a group channel and privacy code adjacent to the community channel. If dual channel radio or BCA presets, program both channels. If Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio. Set both privacy codes.
At trailhead, radio check on group and community channels within your group. Set your radio to default to the group channel.
If you want to communicate with your group, announce on the community channel, to switch channels.
Trail Stewards are our advocates
Please read the article in latest Tahoe Daily Tribune for a good overview of the program. It gives the human perspective. We made the front cover! The article also appeared in the Tahoe Magazine winter issue. Pick up copies in Tahoe to share with others. We were also featured in The High Route.
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 tbradio.org/checkin 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 survey
Come meets us at the Tahoe Split Fest February 13-15 in South Lake Tahoe. 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.
- 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.
