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We can not stress enough the importance of taking the precautionary steps if you decide to go outside the ski resort boundaries and into the backcountry.

There is a multitude of resources available to the general public that provide the first line of necessary tools to help ensure your safety. By no means will you be able to jump right into the backcountry after reading the latest avalanche report and forecast as it takes years of training and experience to even begin to understand the necessary signs of safety and danger.

Get educated, get organized with the necessary gear, and stay up-to-date with the latest avalanche conditions and forecast from the avalanche centers located across the United States and Canada.

Education

American Avalanche Association

American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education 

Forest Service National Avalanche Center

Canadian Avalanche Association 

Gear

Backcountry Skiing and Ski Mountaineering Equipment List from the American Alpine Institute.

Avalanche Centers

Alaska: Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, Cordova, Juneau, Valdez

Arizona: Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center

California: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, Mount Shasta Avalanche Center, Sierra Avalanche Center 

Colorado: Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Crested Butte Avalanche Center

Idaho: Payette Avalanche Center, Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, Sawtooth Avalanche Center 

Montana: Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, Flathead Avalanche Center, Missoula 

New Hampshire: Mount Washington Avalanche Center 

Oregon: Wallowa Avalanche Center

Utah: Utah Avalanche Center  

Washington: Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center 

Wyoming: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center 

Canada: Canadian Avalanche Center

WATCH: Know Before You Go

Additional Resources

OpenSnow: Snow Forecasts & Reports

SNOTEL: Automated system of snowpack and related climate sensors

WATCH: BASICS 7 | Snow Safety & Awareness

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