Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

As we wait for enough snow to fall to warrant full avalanche advisories we are going to continue to provide updates and some educational reminders for the season. Get in the habit of monitoring our observation page  HERE  for Turnagain Pass info. This observation page also houses reports from other areas along with ‘mirrored’ observations for Hatcher Pass. We love getting observations! Please keep them coming if you are an early season backcountry user.

The theme for today is GET THE GEAR!  Know Before You Go  

Investing in avalanche rescue gear is an investment in your life and your backcountry partner’s life. If your gear is old (analog beacon) or you are new to winter backcountry travel we recomend the following when purchasing or upgrading your rescue equipment.  

–Triple Antenna Beacon with multiple-burial marking  

-Aluminum Probe  at least 270cm long (Alaska has a deep snowpack)

-Aluminum Shovel  made by a manufacturer who specializes  is avalanche rescue equipment (retire your old plastic shovels or those bought at WalMart/etc – they will likely break when you need them most)

An  Avalanche Air Bag  is an additional piece of safety equipment that does not replace the three essentials above, but has proven to reduce the likelihood of a full-burial. An airbag will not help you find your buried buddy.

***The BEST avalanche rescue equipment is the gear you practice with often. A three-day Level 1 avalanche course provides one full day of avalanche rescue training and is highly recommended for all backcountry users.  Remember these skills are perishable and  practicing avalanche rescue once a month with your regular backcountry partners is something we should all strive for. Check out the Alaska Avalanche School and AAIC’s Education page for upcoming course offerings.  

Special Announcements

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday, Nov 14th:   An evening at Ski AK with CNFAIC forecaster Wendy Wagner – topic: lessons learned and understanding the avalanche advisory
         6:30-8:30pm at Ski AK in Anchorage. Free!
• Thursday, Nov 16th:    Beartooth – Friends of the CNFAIC Fall FUNdraiser  – Don’t miss this chance to support your  avalanche center and get inspired for the season listening to  Mark and  Janelle Smiley’s amazing  adventures!!!  
          8pm at the Beartooth Theater Pub

• Friday, Nov 17th:    Girdwood – Friends of the CNFAIC Fall FUNdraiser  – The Smiley’s will again be presenting for the F-CNFAIC to the Girdwood crowd!! If you miss the Beartooth evening – this is your second chance to have a fun night out and support the CNFAIC!
          7pm at the  Girdwood Brewing Company

Don’t get confused – there are two showing with the Smileys:

BEARTOOTH THEATER PUB (NOV 16)                 GIRDWOOD BREWING COMPANY (NOV 17)

                 
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AVALANCHE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS. The Friends of the CNFAIC have two scholarships dedicated to avalanche education. The funds generated to make them possible are in celebration of Rob and Amy, their love and passion for the mountains, and to help others stay safe. We encourage you to read each one and apply yourself if you fit the need, or pass along to someone who could benefit.   Applications due on Dec 15th.

Rob Hamel Scholarship Fund – For recreational users and professional avalanche workers.

Amy Downing Scholarship Fund – For recreational users.