News

CNFAIC Staff gears up for the season – update

WELCOME to the 2020/2021 Winter Season!! The mountains are getting whiter and that means the CNFAIC is getting ready for another fantastic winter season! The Avalanche Center will begin issuing intermittent snow, weather and avalanche updates as conditions warrant through mid-November. Daily avalanche forecasts are planned to begin during Thanksgiving weekend – pending an unseasonable chilly fall, which might demand an earlier start. *Don’t forget to keep tabs on current events/information on Facebook  and  Instagram!!*

CNFAIC is hiring an avalanche forecaster!

The Chugach National Forest, Glacier Ranger District is currently seeking applicants for a GS1341-07 Meteorological Technician (CNFAIC Avalanche Specialist). This is a full-time  seasonal position with a minimum 5 month guaranteed tour between November and April. The duty station is located in Girdwood, AK. The vacancy announcement will be advertised as a DEMO announcement (all candidates) and will be posted at www.usajobs.gov. All potential applicants who respond to this outreach will be sent the link to the vacancy announcement when...

The 2019/20 forecast season is over – THANK YOU for tuning in!

The CNFAIC has wrapped up operations and will no longer be posting conditions updates. Thank you to everyone for tuning in!! It was an interestingly chilly winter with many cold outflow wind events and a snowpack which struggled to stay near 50% of normal. Please see more in our Annual Report, which can be found HERE. Although the forecast season has finished, the avalanche season has not  – please see HERE for some  SPRINGTIME AVALANCHE TIPS!!   Current conditions? Keep tabs on...

CNFAIC suspends backcountry avalanche forecasts until further notice

Official USFS and CNFAIC Press Statement: The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC) is suspending backcountry avalanche forecasts and field operations beginning Monday, March 30th until further notice. This decision is in response to the State of Alaska’s COVID-19 Health Mandates that are now in effect and their impact on CNFAIC field operations. This decision is not taken lightly. As an organization built upon promoting public safety, the CNFAIC priority at this time is maintaining the health and well-being...

Note from an ER doc to the backcountry community in regard to COVID-19 spread

A note from an ER doc to the ski and snowmachine community: Thanks CNFAIC for doing such a great job not only forecasting but also promoting social responsibility. You are amazing. So why does this social distancing thing matter, and why should young healthy skiers and snowmachiners care? And for that matter old healthy skiers and snowmachiners? The short version: This is real. Skiers travel and congregate in groups. So do riders. That is how coronavirus is spread. More people...