As backcountry skiers, we’re pretty lucky here in the Pacific Northwest. Besides incredible terrain and a deep snow pack, we have world-class backcountry ski resources. Among them is the avalanche website and resources provided by The Friends of Northwest Avalanche and Weather Center. Without them and similar organizations (most of which are typically non-profit and volunteer run) most of us would be skinning up nearby mountains with but a clue to the actual conditions.
Anyone venturing into the backcountry should have an understanding of their local snow pack, because the fact of the matter is, we all want to live another day. No one, and I mean no one, wants to end up in one of these…
So before you head, check out the avalanche conditions in your area.
