Cordova Forecast Center

Forecast Expired - 03/23/2023

Current Advisory Level

Considerable

Above 2,000ftConsiderable

1,000 to 2,000ftModerate

Below 1,000ftLow

Low

The Cordova Avalanche Center was founded in 2009 following the death of Cordova's beloved local avalanche forecaster and city council member, Michael O'Leary, in a massive avalanche. This center is run by Cordova resident and snow forecast expert 'Hoots' (Steve Witsoe.) Hoots supplies a weekly observation/forecast for this region as conditions warrant. Hoots is also the Forecast Director for the Alaska Avalanche Information Center network and works directly with the National Avalanche Forecasters Association.

In 2010 a group of friends and family launched the Michael O'Leary scholarship fund which now helps support the professional development of avalanche educators and forecasters across Alaska.

Because a relatively small fraction of terrain often frequented by backcountry travelers has a professional daily avalanche forecast available, the Alaska Avalanche Information Center encourages users to share what they see. Please view forecast and post your observations <HERE>

Boat Harbor, Cordova, Alaska.

"Hoots" Steve Witsoe

Director

Born in Seattle in 1971, Witsoe graduated from Univ. of Washington in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Commonly known as ‘Hoots’, he moved to Cordova in 1996 and joined Mt. Eyak ski patrol. As an avid backcountry snowboarder Hoots began helping with avalanche forecasting and education. He completed his AAA PAWS (AvPro) in 2005 and CAA level 2 in 2008. Hoots assumed responsibility for Cordova’s avalanche program in 2008. He is now an Avalanche Level 3 and a professional member of the American Avalanche Association and the National Avalanche Center.