News

Update: State of the Snowpack and CNFAIC operations 

Hello Friends, In the upcoming weeks, we hope you find time to spend outside on the snow, exercising and enjoying the fresh air and extra daylight. The CNFAIC staff are planning to provide avalanche forecast information daily. We thank you for your continued support and focus on the safety of our community.  Here’s to working together, staying healthy, and enjoying the small things in big places.   We’re reaching out with a few important updates as things are changing rapidly in...

Cancelled – March 21st Avalanche Awareness Day

To our backcountry friends, supporters and partners, We regret to announce the cancellation of the March 21st Turnagain Takeover Avalanche Awareness day at Turnagain Pass. As an organization that promotes public safety, our first priority is keeping the backcountry community safe and informed. Given the nationwide spread of coronavirus, we are following the recommended guidelines to limit social gatherings. This decision was informed by the CDC, US Forest Service, Alaska State Heath and Social Services and our Friends Board of...

Where and how are Alaskans traveling in the backcountry? Take this quick survey

It only takes 5 minutes! Help the avalanche and snow science community by taking this short survey that is investigating who, how and where Alaskans travel in the backcountry. Project led by University of Alaska Southeast. Survey link HERE!

Boulder Creek Drainage: Avalanche Accident

On February 10th, 2020 a snowmachiner was riding on west facing terrain above Boulder Creek. The rider triggered a slab avalanche 150′ wide, 3′ thick and running around 250′ down the slope. The rider was caught, carried and fully buried. Riders nearby saw the avalanche and began rescue efforts immediately. The rider was recovered and did not survive. *A preliminary report is posted HERE. And a final report is being compiled as we continue to gather additional information. Our deepest...

Avalanche triggered by XC-skiers in Anchorage – Kincaid Park Sand Dunes

On Saturday February 1st, a large group of young cross-country skiers triggered an avalanche in Kincaid Park on a slope created by sand dunes. Although several skiers were caught, including one skier who was fully buried and recovered very quickly, everyone is OK. The full report is HERE and can also be found in our avalanche list under 'observations'. This is quite a unique situation and slope. We thank the group involved for sharing the experience so we can all...