NWAC

Yet another winter is almost behind us. The time is near for us here at NWAC to stop publishing our daily forecasts and transition into a spring schedule as follows: • The last daily mountain weather and avalanche forecasts on the NWAC website will be issued on Saturday, April 11th for coverage through the weekend. • Weekend mountain weather and avalanche forecasts on the NWAC website will be issued April 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th for weekend coverage. This format was implemented and popular last season. • As usual through the end of the season, we will issue Special Avalanche Advisories when unusually dangerous spring avalanche conditions are expected. More info can be found here: http://www.nwac.us/blog/2015/04/06/nwac-spring-2015-forecast-schedule/ Update for April 14-15: http://www.nwac.us/blog/2015/04/13/winter-conditions-april-14th-and-15th/ We appreciate all of your continued support and we're looking forward to a new and improved winter next year!

Going Deep: Making the Transition from Winter to Spring Most modern avalanche education uses a regional avalanche forecast as the building block for tour planning and snow stability. Without that daily forecast, it can be unnerving to figure out when and where to go. This evening's Going Deep lecture is aimed at equipping people with tools to evaluate conditions leading to good decisions in the backcountry. We'll focus on how to plan and execute a tour without the help of an NWAC avalanche forecast. You'll also learn tips and tricks on how to time your tour with the weather along with gaining an understanding what to look for in the spring snowpack so you don't get caught in the shed cycle. Join us at Paddy Coyne's after the workshop for drinks and socializing. Each admission includes a beer ticket. More info: http://www.rei.com/event/66184/session/113656

What's your backcountry decision making framework? Join us Thursday, Dec 11 at the Seattle REI to explore how multiple backcountry travelers—ranging in experience, risk tolerance, and mode of travel—approach their day and decision making in the backcountry. The format will be a moderated panel discussion with: Ingrid Backstrom, Lucas DeBari, Brandy Floyd, Martin Volken, Solveig Waterfall, Eric Wehrly, Jeff Campbell, Steph Bennett, Russell Cunningham, and Tom Murphy. More info: http://www.nwac.us/education/nwac-classes/workshops/

It's that time of year again...to come out and party in support of NWAC! Hope you will join us at SnowBash 2014 on Wednesday, Nov 19 at Nectar Lounge in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. Good friends, good beer, great music and a great raffle! Save a few bucks and buy your tickets in advance here. See you all in a few weeks to kick off the season! [img:left]http://www.nwac.us/media/filer_public/7b/5b/7b5bedab-fc3c-4475-aae1-f8898ae92e30/snowbash_2014_poster_v1c_lowres_3.jpg[/img]

Join us as the Northwest Avalanche Center brings together seasoned backcountry professionals along with outside-industry experts in an effort to provide tangible solutions to improve decision making in the backcountry. Each workshop will be an interactive experience probing deeper into our decision making process and learn new techniques to improve those decisions. Come prepared to participate and takeaway some valuable techniques for your next backcountry outing. Session #1: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Avalanche Forecasting (But Were Afraid to Ask): An Evening with the Staff of the Northwest Avalanche Center When: Thursday, October 23th Doors at 5:30, Session begins promptly at 6pm and ends at 9pm Where: REI Seattle Cost: $10 REI Members/$15 non-members (one beer ticket included*) Summary: What's the difference between 'high' and 'considerable' avalanche ratings? How can I apply the NWAC forecast to the slope I want to ski? How deep is a 'deep instability,' anyway? If you've ever asked yourself these questions or any others about NWAC, come join us for an evening with our forecasters, field observers, and staff to hear how it all works. The first half of the evening will be a lecture focusing on how to make the most of the new NWAC avalanche forecast. The second half will be a casual question-and-answer session. Please bring any and all questions about NWAC forecasts; how to use the forecasts; and questions about avalanches themselves. *Join us at the Feierbend German Pub after the workshop for drinks and socializing. Each admission includes a beer ticket. Other Details: This evening is geared towards to people who have some backcountry experience to those who are seasoned backcountry travelers. Skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers who are looking to improve their decision making skills are encouraged to attend. Tickets available soon at the REI website.

We are moving the 6th annual http://www.nwac.us/snowball/ Snowball to mid-winter while the snow is still flying…Thursday, January 30! Join your friends and familiar faces at this evening of live and silent auctions, as well as a delicious dinner, all in support of the Northwest Avalanche Center! We keep growing, so this year’s event will be held at the Seattle Design Center at 5701 6th Ave S in the Georgetown neighborhood just south of downtown. The venue is beautiful and parking is a breeze. Tickets are $90 before January 17, and $100 after - buy yours soon, this event sold out last year! Learn more on https://www.facebook.com/events/223271561129962/ Facebook. Buy your tickets http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/532325 here.