A day with our avalanche forecasters

Members of the Chugach Avalanche Information Center were invited to ski with our avalanche forecasters and see how they do what they do to report conditions in the back country (i.e.Chugach National Forest/Turnagain Pass) and today was the premiere. It will be occurring a few more times this winter and I highly recommend it.

Lisa Portune one of our long time Forecasters

Kevin Wright, new to the center but very experienced in the field!




The guest crew getting started at the base of Tin Can and looking at some avalanches on the motorized side across the road

This was a remotely triggered slide on the motorized side that was triggered by the skiers on the lookers right. It had occurred on a day prior to today, but just the information these guys are looking for. All of it is providing crucial information to defining what the snow pack is doing and when.

Heading up Tin Can

Kevin noticed a sizable crack in the snow pack and decided this was where the first group of 5 would dig and investigate. Time to get to know what the layers were doing and what this crack was telling us.

Olivia a board member of the Friends group and Lisa our forecaster

Many a pit to be dug, column to be isolated and shovel to be tapped. It was great to witness Lisa and Kevin doing there jobs as forecasters. They walked us through their daily routines regarding decisions on the slopes, in the pits, and while just looking around for observable and important clues. All the data collected allows them to make accurate and informed reports for the back country users. The goal being that this information will help keep users safe, but their forecast is only one part to the back country "safety puzzle."

extended column test

Isolated Column test-in the SUN!
BTW, it was gorgeous day, no wind, sun you could feel on your face and the snow was incredible! But we were out there to dig and learn- skiing comes tomorrow :)

we relocated and dug again...

and kept digging, getting usable data each time.
We all loved the experience and came away informed , entertained and energized to offer observations to the forecasters with what we see when we are out there playing.

Thank you to the Chugach Forest Avalanche Information Center (Lisa and Kevin) for taking the time to bring us along and if anyone is interested check out the calendar forecasters page and sign up quick for the next ski with forecasters in February and March

Final Note: on our ski today, one of our experienced group members said in regards to staying out and skiing more; "what a great day, what great snow, BUT this snow pack and he ruffled his brow..."
This blog is to tell you a story, not give you a forecast, so please be sure you read the forecasters report today, tomorrow and any day you plan to recreate in the back country. What is happening down there with the Thanksgiving rain crust, buried surface hoar, and funky temps, there are some scary layers and things that are just waiting to be triggered...while some are choosing to go on their own!
Play hard, Play Safe!