Alaska Avalanche Information Center honored

HATCHER PASS — For the second time in its six-year history, the Alaska Avalanche Information Center received an Alaska Governor’s Safety and Health Special Achievement award for its work in the field of snow safety.

The nonprofit organization, operated by a team of dedicated volunteers, received the award during the 33rd annual Alaska Governor’s Safety and Health Conference March 6 at the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage.

The state of Alaska does not operate or maintain a snow forecast center and instead relies on volunteers and nonprofit organizations like AAIC to fill this critical need. Over the past six years, AAIC has worked to establish a network of Alaska Snow Forecast Centers around Alaska in its effort to provide relevant, critical information for the general public regarding snow and avalanche conditions.

AAIC has report centers for five highly accessed avalanche-prone areas of the state, including Anchorage, Cordova, Haines, Hatcher Pass and Valdez. The volunteers also post links with forecasts to support the U.S. Forest Service Chugach Avalanche Information Center and the city of Juneau. This information is available online at alaskasnow.org.

The report bulletins provided by the AAIC snow forecasting professionals make it safer for those working, traveling or recreating in mountainous regions. Individuals are able to access these areas armed with relevant, vital information about current snow and weather conditions to help them make more informed decisions on the best times and places to travel. This data is critical in helping to reduce avalanche related injuries and deaths.

In addition, AAIC encourages the general public to submit observations from their travels in the field to further expand the safety net of information.

For more information or to volunteer, contact pcarter@alaskasnow.org.