Stories, knowledge, and hard-earned lessons from the avalanche community.
The Avalanche Hour began in 2016 when founder Caleb Merrill set out to make the conversations that happen between snow and avalanche professionals more accessible to the wider community. What started as a way to share stories and moments of learning has grown into a collaborative podcast featuring avalanche forecasters, guides, educators, researchers, ski patrollers, rescue professionals, and backcountry travelers from around the world.
Why It Exists
The program is built around a simple belief: the avalanche community gets stronger when people share what they have learned. Episodes explore snow science, risk, decision making, leadership, loss, mentorship, forecasting, education, and the human stories that shape how we move through mountain terrain.
Listen to Caleb's InterviewMeet the Team
Hosts and team members helping carry the conversations forward.
Founder/host of The Avalanche Hour; AMGA-certified ski guide and avalanche forecaster/educator.
Whitewater Resort forecaster; BC Ministry of Transportation Kootenay Pass Program; CAA instructor.
Utah-based avalanche pro and educator; founding member of Snowbird Patrol’s Peer Support Team.
Career guide/educator (30 yrs) in AK & WA; PSIA III; shifting into resiliency coaching.
Avalanche forecaster (Tyrol) and President of ÖGSL; background across Europe and the Americas.
Clinical psychologist focusing on human factors in avalanche terrain; prolific workshop presenter.
ESAC forecaster; prior roles with NWAC, Sawtooths, SAR, NPS; risk management across seasons.
IFMGA guide, AAI/AIARE educator; endurance athlete; “Beat Monday” co-creator.
Snow Safety Manager (Irwin Cats); Technical Director (AAI); 30+ years as an avalanche pro.
Former freeride skier and heli-ski guide; vice chair at Mountain Muskox Mentorship.
Retired Teton guide; longtime editor of The Avalanche Review; AAI Pro Program instructor.
Anchorage-based IFMGA Mountain Guide with a lifelong passion for avalanches, teaching, and exploration.
