The avalanche forecast is as important as skis for a backcountry skier.

But how exactly does the forecast get made?

OpenSnow Athlete Cody Townsend goes behind the scenes with the Sierra Avalanche Center, in benefit of the American Avalanche Association (A3), to see what goes into those daily avalanche forecasts that help backcountry skiers stay educated and alive.

View → Avalanche Forecast