This page summarizes the changes to the fifth edition of the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing paper Map. (The iOS mobile app still uses the fourth edition base map.)
The fifth edition of the paper map uses high-resolution LIDAR elevation data for the slope shading, elevation contours, and relief shading. The LIDAR elevation data is accurate to within a few feet.
As with the third and fourth editions, the fifth edition has "reddish" slope shading to help you identify slopes that are approximately 30° or steeper. The slope shading is much more accurate on the fifth edition.
Learn more about the accuracy of the elevation and slope shading data.
The fifth edition added 40 location names. As with previous editions, names are only added when they are well-established and verified.
New names on the fifth edition include Albion Chutes, Broads Fork Bridge, Cardiff Bowl, China Wall, Chutes and Ladders, East Face (Lone Peak), Fantasy Ridge, Forest Glen, Generator Couloir, Giles Flat, Gunsight, Heaven's Halfpipe, High Fuzz Weirdo, Holiday Rock, Lees Fork, Lower Bells, Canyon Reservoir, Major Tom, Matilda Bowl, Maybird Lake, Norwegian Corner, O.O.P., Patsey Marley (summit), Petticoat, Pettipants, Puke Hill, Redman Campground, Rhino Pass, Saddle Back, Shack Chute, Southwest Face (Twin Peaks), Square Top Sneak, Substation Chute, The Golf Course, The Gut, The Pin, Triangle, Tri-County Peak, Waggy Chute, Wolverine Bowl (Alta), and Wolverine Shoulder.
The ski area boundaries were updated and Solitude's special use permit area was clarified.
More than 100 other changes were made to the map, including updating the declination, darkening the grid lines, improving the locations of labels, correcting spelling errors, etc.
Remember that all profits from the sale of the paper map are donated to organizations that promote avalanche safety or the preservation of the Wasatch mountains. As of December 2023, sales of the map have contributed more than $95,000 to these nonprofits. I don't keep a penny.
