Prevention

Today Alaska is the only mountainous Pacific Northwest state without a state or federal funded avalanche forecasting center.  And for this Alaskans have paid dearly.  For years we have had the highest avalanche death rate per capita in the United States. In 2002 we exceed Colorado as number one with twelve deaths that season.  Alaska is now leading the nation for avalanche deaths regardless of population.

In order to recreate safely in Alaska you most become your own avalanche expert.  And that means one thing, training!  The one way to help prevent avalanche fatalities is to gain the knowledge and experience to make good decisions in the backcountry.  Below is a list of books, web sites, and training centers to start you on your way.


Resources



BOOKS:

The Avalanche Handbook, David Mcclung and Peter Schaerer                             Snow Since, Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler                                                       Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain,  Bruce Tremper

MOVIES:

Winning the Avalanche Game

TRAINING CENTERS:

Alaska Avalanche School (Anchorage AK)                                 www.alaskaavalanche.com                                                                             Southeast Avalanche Center (Juneau AK)                                       www.avalanche.org ~ seaac

WEB SITES:

www.avalanche.org




Slab Avalanche Formation


Snow as a Material

Slab Avalanche Formation

Forces on the Snowpack

Bibliography