Resources & External Links
Curated collection of avalanche forecasting centers, education programs, apps, books, and organizations to support your backcountry safety education.
Avalanche Forecast Centers
Regional avalanche forecasting centers providing daily conditions reports
Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC)(Pacific Northwest)
Washington Cascades, Olympics, Mt. Hood
Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)(Colorado)
Colorado mountains
Utah Avalanche Center (UAC)(Utah)
Wasatch, Uintas, Moab
Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC)(California)
California Sierra Nevada
Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center(Montana)
Southwest Montana
Avalanche Canada(Canada)
Canadian provinces
American Avalanche Association - Find Your Center(North America)
Directory of all North American forecast centers
Education & Training
Formal avalanche safety courses and certifications
AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education)
Industry-standard recreational avalanche courses (Level 1, 2, 3). Find courses nationwide.
Avalanche Canada - AST Courses
Avalanche Skills Training courses (AST 1, 2) for Canadian backcountry users
AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association)
Professional guide training and certification programs
AAA Pro Training
Professional avalanche safety training and certifications
Know Before You Go
Free avalanche awareness programs and community presentations
Apps & Digital Tools
Mobile apps and digital tools for backcountry planning
BCA Slope Meter
Free inclinometer app for measuring slope angles
Avalanche Inclinometer
Slope angle measurement with compass and GPS
CalTopo
Advanced mapping and route planning with slope angle overlay
Gaia GPS
Offline maps and GPS tracking for backcountry navigation
FatMap
3D mapping with avalanche forecasts integrated
Mountain Hub
Community-based observation sharing and avalanche reports
Books & Guides
Essential reading for avalanche education
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain
Bruce Tremper - The definitive guide for recreational users. Start here.
The Avalanche Handbook
David McClung & Peter Schaerer - Technical reference for snow science
Snow Sense
Jill Fredston & Doug Fesler - Field guide for avalanche assessment
Avalanche Essentials
Bruce Tremper - Condensed pocket guide version of Staying Alive
Essential Gear
Safety equipment manufacturers (not an endorsement, just information)
Professional Organizations
Industry associations and professional groups
Getting Started: 7-Step Plan
New to avalanche safety? Follow this progression to build a solid foundation:
Read the Basics
Start with "Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain" or take a free Know Before You Go presentation.
Take AIARE Level 1
Don't enter avalanche terrain without formal training. AIARE 1 or AST 1 is the baseline.
Get the Gear
Beacon, shovel, probe are mandatory. Practice with them regularly, not just once.
Read Forecasts Daily
Even if you're not going out. Learn how forecasters describe problems and assess danger.
Use Apps & Tools
Install slope angle and GPS apps. Practice route planning on CalTopo or Gaia.
Get Experience
Go with experienced partners. Start conservative. Build your knowledge slowly.
Continue Education
AIARE Level 2, refresher courses, advanced training. Avalanche education is never “done.”
💚 Support Avalanche Forecasting
Avalanche forecast centers rely heavily on donations and volunteer support. Many operate on shoestring budgets despite providing life-saving information daily.
Consider donating to your local avalanche center or joining their friends group. Your contribution directly supports better forecasting and saves lives.