In the field of avalanche safety and research, analyzing decision making often boil down to data collection. For human aspects to backcountry travel in the mountains surveys are an easy way for researchers to obtain information.   An important Alaskan research project called the Winter Backcountry Traveler Survey is requesting backcountry users to fill out […]

A unique early season setup with low snowfall and cold temperatures in the mountains surrounding Valdez has produced several remarkable avalanche cycles this season, see the Valdez Avalanche Center website for more information and current conditions.   The lack of snowfall in the fall weakened snow at the surface through a process known as faceting. […]

North American motorized accident statistics and recent case studies were covered in an hour long presentation sponsored by the Alaska Department of Public Safety and Alaska State Troopers. This was presented by Tim Thomas, a forecaster and educator with the the Haines Avalanche Center who specializes in sled specific avalanche education and is a mechanized […]

Laura McGladrey, a NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructor and Nurse Practitioner with dual certification, practicing both emergency medicine and psychiatry has adapted The Stress Continuum as a way of managing stress. The continuum is a self-assessment tool and can help those affected by a single incident, or cumulative stress, to detect early and late changing reactions […]

There have been lots of changes at the Alaska Avalanche Information Center over the past two years. Like everyone else, the pandemic made a big impact on our operations forcing us to take steps back to regroup and meet this new challenge. We are excited for the upcoming season and look forward to providing backcountry […]

This upcoming season the AAIC will be working in collaboration with the Alaska Avalanche School and Alaska Safe Riders to bring you a wide host of training opportunities. If you are new to the backcountry and looking for some introductory training or you’re ready for a Level 2, we can help. No matter what you […]

The AAIC is a not-for-profit 501 c3 organization and relies on public support to operate. We could not provide this life-saving service without your help and support. Thank you to all of our members, donors and sponsors who make this effort possible. We invite you to join us to ensure we are able to continue […]

Jake Wegner, of North Pole, Alaska learned about the high risk of potential hazards in the Alaskan Mountains first hand. He was just 22 years old when a tragic event changed his life forever. Wegner, his father Ray, and friend, Rick Staley, headed out from North Pole Alaska in the spring of 2004 to enjoy […]

The skies were gray and overcast when Lawrence Agosti and friends arrived at the Primrose parking lot on the Kenai Peninsula one early February morning to ride their snowmachines. Lawrence grew up riding these mountains and knows them intimately. “I feel like I know every inch of this area from all different directions.” He also […]

Many may have been fooled by our false spring. Please folks, avalanche season is not over yet! This latest storm dropped a lot of heavy, wet snow and natural avalanches are happening every where. Stay alert and always watch for what is above you! Have a safe spring.