- Last season, the AAIC worked together with the National Avalanche Center (NAC) to implement a new observation and weather station map platform to the website, we are currently looking to upgrade to the forecast platform for Valdez and Haines.
- The Support Raffle promoted website updates that saw more users using the new observation platform and an increase in regional avalanche center memberships. 15 individuals won prizes from G3, Fairweather Ski Works, Klim, Rab and Rocky Talkie.
- In March 2023, the AAIC and Alaska Safe Riders signed a three-year contract with the State of Alaska Department of Public Safey and Division of Alaska State Troopers to provide statewide backcountry awareness training for communities and schools.
- The AAIC were also recipients of two grants awarded by ConocoPhillips. The first aids to expand social media outreach and update website content. The second fully funds tuition for 6 participants in each Valdez, Fairanks and Haines on a Snowmachine Level 1 courses through the Alaska Avalanche School this season.
- We continue to see long term support from local governments in Valdez and Haines. The City of Valdez and Haines Borough have worked with their local avalanche center to sustain seasonal paid staff for forecasting operations in those communities.
- This season, Kim Stinson is our Development Director at the AAIC. This position is focused on grant writing, fundraising and social media outreach. Kim has a strong background with non-profits and ski patrolled at Alyeska Ski Resort.
- Four of our forecasters from Valdez and Haines attended the International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) in Bend, Oregon October 8-13th. This is the largest meeting of snow and avalanche professionals in the world.
- What’s next? It’s Avalanche Awareness Month in Alaska. Be sure to sign up for the Southcentral Alaska Avalanche Workshop Friday, November 10th that can be attended in person or virtually.
- Join the AAIC Board of Directors for our Annual Meeting Monday, December 4th at 6:00pm. Interested in nominating or becoming a board member? Send me an e-mail.
- Stay tuned for early season regional avalanche center educational opportunities, check your gear and keep tabs on the snow by reading and submitting observations. Check out these recent observations coming in from the Eastern Alaska Range!
- Your support provides a publicly accessible information resources hub and a variety of opportunities for avalanche safety education. Your support strengthens the relationships throughout our communities by connecting individuals with local businesses and industry partners. Your support promotes safety in and around Alaska’s backcountry terrain for diverse groups of users and all ages and abilities.
- Make a donation, become a sponsor or a community partner, and member.
*Title image courtesy of the Board of Director Rich Loftin