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Episode 4.1

Welcome to the 4th season of the Avalanche Hour Podcast! This episode features the first family of heliskiing in the US. Mike and Joe Royer sit down with me and discuss the history and the future of Ruby Mountain Heli Ski. We also dive into some of the characteristics of this uniquely situated mountain range, the snowpack that we deal with there, and how we forecast for and deal with Avalanche hazard in a busy heli skiing schedule. Music on this episode is Loungin' by Gramatik and Hicktronica feat Dirtwire by The Polish Ambassador. I hope you enjoy!

Episode 4.2

Episode 4.3

In this episode, we sit down with Don Sharaf. Don has spent the better part of the past 3 decades working in the snow and avalanche realm while forecasting, guiding, and educating others in this high risk environment. We break down what we can do given all of our awareness of human factors, talk about how to measure success and failure in avalanche education, whether confidence is outpacing competence and so much more. We recorded this interview in a county library, and unfortunately there was some interference in the recording that needed to be scrubbed out, resulting in the interview sound quality becoming a bit dull. Sorry about that! After you listen to the show, make sure you check out Don's interview with Drew Hardesty on the UAC podcast. Below is a link to that. If you are interested in the Gordon Graham video referenced, there is also a link to that below. Music on this episode is Anitek- Courtesy of the Free Music Archive and made possible by the Creative Commons License. Enjoy!

https://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/38344

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuVo4Nhy7Us

Episode 4.4

We sit down and have a good ol time with BrendEn Cronin. Currently a highway forecaster for Wyoming DOT, BrendEn has been a guide, forecaster, ski patroller, and all around badass kayaker. We cover lots in this episode, and I think we had a pretty good time doing it. BrendEn talks about mentors that have had an influence on him through his career, he recounts some memorable storm cycles in the Tetons, and he ventures into the ins and outs of forecasting for WYDOT. Hope you enjoy. Music in this episode: Funk it VIP by Gramatik and DeFunk as well as So Far by Anitek.

Episode 4.5

This episode features a great interview with Doug Chabot who is the current director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman, MT. We chat about some of the strategies the GNAFC utilizes to get their message across to as many diverse user groups as they can. We also chat about his work with several organizations in Pakistan. Doug shares a couple stories of close calls and the subsequent lessons learned from those. Enjoy. Music on this episode was "Somebody" by Gramatik and "Boss O Nova" by Anitek. Enjoy!

Episode 4.6

Danny Holland recounts his perspective of being part of the group that was involved in a fatal avalanche on December 26, 2013. This avalanche took place on the run called Puckerface on Cody Peak just outside of the JHMR boundary. This is not meant to be an exhaustive analysis of the avalanche, but more a conversational piece about how the events of that fateful day unfolded. Thank you to Danny for sharing his story. This is not easy. For more information on this event, see the below links. We can all learn from this.

Accident Report: avalanche.state.co.us/caic/acc/acc_r…=510&accfm=inv

The Avalanche Review article by Alex Do: (Page 19) static1.squarespace.com/static/59d2a0…ALL_LoRes.pdf

Episode 4.7

In this episode, we first chat with CJ Svela who is the Vice President of the Association of Professional Patrollers. He shares with us what the APP is all about, and some of the educational offerings of this winter for Patrollers across the West. We then chat with Laura Maguire, who shares some of her research concerning decision making and cognitive systems in high risk environments.

Episode 4.8

Episode 4.8 highlights Guide, Educator, Patroller, Professional Expedition Skier Jamie Laidlaw. Jamie shares some of the lessons he has learned in the mountains, and what has caught him off guard in the snowpack. He details some strategy about going into areas where there is no readily accessed information to historical snowpack data. I know you'll enjoy this one.

Episode 4.9

Episode 4.10

In Episode 4.10, I sit down with Don Carpenter- Guide, Educator, and owner of The American Avalanche Institute. We chat about some of the programs that AAI offers for some of the special operations teams of the US Military. We chat about teamwork, partners, travel techniques in avalanche terrain, and of course Don shares some stories of his experience throughout his career

Episode 4.11

This episode highlights two avalanche centers that may be smaller in budget and forecast area of other larger centers, but certainly don't lack in professionalism as well as community support. We chat with Gabe Coler and Aaron Hartz of the Central Oregon Avalanche Center as well as Victor Mcneil of the Wallowa Avalanche Centers. We chat about the evolution and growth of these organizations, as well as some of the ways their communities are helping to drive the success of the centers. Enjoy! Music: "Rubberband" by Anitek and " UpFolk" by Ketsa

Episode 4.12

Episode 4.13

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic....Crazy times. Take a timeout to listen to this great episode featuring Eric Knoff. Eric has been a pro patroller, public avalanche forecaster, as well as an educator. We talk to Eric about his career, his new education company: Six Points Avalanche Education, as well as some of his thoughts (and research) on large column tests. Musical tracks by Ketsa. Mission Ready and Onwards Upwards. Check out Six Points Avalanche Education at www.avalancheclass.com.

Episode 4.15

Episode 4.16

In this episode, we hear from Doug Richmond. Doug is a career ski patroller who started out at Sugarbowl in Lake Tahoe and skipped around a bit before settling in to his home at Bridger Bowl. Doug talks about the fundamentals of working in the avalanche environment, what has kept him and his team safe during avalanche mitigation mornings, and what makes a good ski patroller. Doug shares a couple of great stories to round out the hour. Enjoy. Music by Ketsa.

Episode 4.17

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Jordy Hendrikx- Director of the Snow and Avalanche Lab at Montana State University. Jordy talks about the path that led him to his current role at MSU. He talks about what a potential applicant might want to focus on before starting an application to the program. We also chat about some of the current research going on in the program as well as the high caliber employment that graduates are finding in the snow and avalanche arena. We hope you enjoy this episode. Music: Ketsa "Upfronts" and "Sun Inside".

Episode 4.18

Episode 4.19

This episode highlights Kevin Hammonds. Kevin is a professor at Montana State University in the Civil Engineering department. He is also the current director of the Sub Zero Lab at MSU. Kevin is a great example of someone who is dedicated to merging theory and practice within our field of interest and curiosity. Kevin dives into what is involved in the lab, and some of the interesting research that is going on as well. Tunes by Ketsa: "Thinking Free" and "Peace Out".

Episode 4.20

It's episode 4.20, man. This episode features Alex Marienthal. Alex obtained both BS and MS degrees in the Snow Science Program at Montana State University. We chat with Alex about his graduate research regarding better forecasting for deep slab avalanches. Alex shares with us some of the ways he tries to communicate complex problems in a concise way within his forecasts. He also recounts some experiences in his career that he doesn't plan on forgetting. Hope you enjoy. Music by Ketsa

Episode 4.1

Welcome to the 4th season of the Avalanche Hour Podcast! This episode features the first family of heliskiing in the US. Mike and Joe Royer sit down with me and discuss the history and the future of Ruby Mountain Heli Ski. We also dive into some of the characteristics of this uniquely situated mountain range, the snowpack that we deal with there, and how we forecast for and deal with Avalanche hazard in a busy heli skiing schedule. Music on this episode is Loungin' by Gramatik and Hicktronica feat Dirtwire by The Polish Ambassador. I hope you enjoy!

Episode 4.2

Episode 4.3

In this episode, we sit down with Don Sharaf. Don has spent the better part of the past 3 decades working in the snow and avalanche realm while forecasting, guiding, and educating others in this high risk environment. We break down what we can do given all of our awareness of human factors, talk about how to measure success and failure in avalanche education, whether confidence is outpacing competence and so much more. We recorded this interview in a county library, and unfortunately there was some interference in the recording that needed to be scrubbed out, resulting in the interview sound quality becoming a bit dull. Sorry about that! After you listen to the show, make sure you check out Don's interview with Drew Hardesty on the UAC podcast. Below is a link to that. If you are interested in the Gordon Graham video referenced, there is also a link to that below. Music on this episode is Anitek- Courtesy of the Free Music Archive and made possible by the Creative Commons License. Enjoy!

https://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/38344

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuVo4Nhy7Us

Episode 4.4

We sit down and have a good ol time with BrendEn Cronin. Currently a highway forecaster for Wyoming DOT, BrendEn has been a guide, forecaster, ski patroller, and all around badass kayaker. We cover lots in this episode, and I think we had a pretty good time doing it. BrendEn talks about mentors that have had an influence on him through his career, he recounts some memorable storm cycles in the Tetons, and he ventures into the ins and outs of forecasting for WYDOT. Hope you enjoy. Music in this episode: Funk it VIP by Gramatik and DeFunk as well as So Far by Anitek.

Episode 4.5

This episode features a great interview with Doug Chabot who is the current director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman, MT. We chat about some of the strategies the GNAFC utilizes to get their message across to as many diverse user groups as they can. We also chat about his work with several organizations in Pakistan. Doug shares a couple stories of close calls and the subsequent lessons learned from those. Enjoy. Music on this episode was "Somebody" by Gramatik and "Boss O Nova" by Anitek. Enjoy!

Episode 4.6

Danny Holland recounts his perspective of being part of the group that was involved in a fatal avalanche on December 26, 2013. This avalanche took place on the run called Puckerface on Cody Peak just outside of the JHMR boundary. This is not meant to be an exhaustive analysis of the avalanche, but more a conversational piece about how the events of that fateful day unfolded. Thank you to Danny for sharing his story. This is not easy. For more information on this event, see the below links. We can all learn from this.

Accident Report: avalanche.state.co.us/caic/acc/acc_r…=510&accfm=inv

The Avalanche Review article by Alex Do: (Page 19) static1.squarespace.com/static/59d2a0…ALL_LoRes.pdf

Episode 4.7

In this episode, we first chat with CJ Svela who is the Vice President of the Association of Professional Patrollers. He shares with us what the APP is all about, and some of the educational offerings of this winter for Patrollers across the West. We then chat with Laura Maguire, who shares some of her research concerning decision making and cognitive systems in high risk environments.

Episode 4.8

Episode 4.8 highlights Guide, Educator, Patroller, Professional Expedition Skier Jamie Laidlaw. Jamie shares some of the lessons he has learned in the mountains, and what has caught him off guard in the snowpack. He details some strategy about going into areas where there is no readily accessed information to historical snowpack data. I know you'll enjoy this one.

Episode 4.9

Episode 4.10

In Episode 4.10, I sit down with Don Carpenter- Guide, Educator, and owner of The American Avalanche Institute. We chat about some of the programs that AAI offers for some of the special operations teams of the US Military. We chat about teamwork, partners, travel techniques in avalanche terrain, and of course Don shares some stories of his experience throughout his career

Episode 4.11

This episode highlights two avalanche centers that may be smaller in budget and forecast area of other larger centers, but certainly don't lack in professionalism as well as community support. We chat with Gabe Coler and Aaron Hartz of the Central Oregon Avalanche Center as well as Victor Mcneil of the Wallowa Avalanche Centers. We chat about the evolution and growth of these organizations, as well as some of the ways their communities are helping to drive the success of the centers. Enjoy! Music: "Rubberband" by Anitek and " UpFolk" by Ketsa

Episode 4.12

Episode 4.13

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic....Crazy times. Take a timeout to listen to this great episode featuring Eric Knoff. Eric has been a pro patroller, public avalanche forecaster, as well as an educator. We talk to Eric about his career, his new education company: Six Points Avalanche Education, as well as some of his thoughts (and research) on large column tests. Musical tracks by Ketsa. Mission Ready and Onwards Upwards. Check out Six Points Avalanche Education at www.avalancheclass.com.

Episode 4.15

Episode 4.16

In this episode, we hear from Doug Richmond. Doug is a career ski patroller who started out at Sugarbowl in Lake Tahoe and skipped around a bit before settling in to his home at Bridger Bowl. Doug talks about the fundamentals of working in the avalanche environment, what has kept him and his team safe during avalanche mitigation mornings, and what makes a good ski patroller. Doug shares a couple of great stories to round out the hour. Enjoy. Music by Ketsa.

Episode 4.17

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Jordy Hendrikx- Director of the Snow and Avalanche Lab at Montana State University. Jordy talks about the path that led him to his current role at MSU. He talks about what a potential applicant might want to focus on before starting an application to the program. We also chat about some of the current research going on in the program as well as the high caliber employment that graduates are finding in the snow and avalanche arena. We hope you enjoy this episode. Music: Ketsa "Upfronts" and "Sun Inside".

Episode 4.18

Episode 4.19

This episode highlights Kevin Hammonds. Kevin is a professor at Montana State University in the Civil Engineering department. He is also the current director of the Sub Zero Lab at MSU. Kevin is a great example of someone who is dedicated to merging theory and practice within our field of interest and curiosity. Kevin dives into what is involved in the lab, and some of the interesting research that is going on as well. Tunes by Ketsa: "Thinking Free" and "Peace Out".

Episode 4.20

It's episode 4.20, man. This episode features Alex Marienthal. Alex obtained both BS and MS degrees in the Snow Science Program at Montana State University. We chat with Alex about his graduate research regarding better forecasting for deep slab avalanches. Alex shares with us some of the ways he tries to communicate complex problems in a concise way within his forecasts. He also recounts some experiences in his career that he doesn't plan on forgetting. Hope you enjoy. Music by Ketsa

Episode 4.1

Welcome to the 4th season of the Avalanche Hour Podcast! This episode features the first family of heliskiing in the US. Mike and Joe Royer sit down with me and discuss the history and the future of Ruby Mountain Heli Ski. We also dive into some of the characteristics of this uniquely situated mountain range, the snowpack that we deal with there, and how we forecast for and deal with Avalanche hazard in a busy heli skiing schedule. Music on this episode is Loungin' by Gramatik and Hicktronica feat Dirtwire by The Polish Ambassador. I hope you enjoy!

Episode 4.2

Episode 4.3

In this episode, we sit down with Don Sharaf. Don has spent the better part of the past 3 decades working in the snow and avalanche realm while forecasting, guiding, and educating others in this high risk environment. We break down what we can do given all of our awareness of human factors, talk about how to measure success and failure in avalanche education, whether confidence is outpacing competence and so much more. We recorded this interview in a county library, and unfortunately there was some interference in the recording that needed to be scrubbed out, resulting in the interview sound quality becoming a bit dull. Sorry about that! After you listen to the show, make sure you check out Don's interview with Drew Hardesty on the UAC podcast. Below is a link to that. If you are interested in the Gordon Graham video referenced, there is also a link to that below. Music on this episode is Anitek- Courtesy of the Free Music Archive and made possible by the Creative Commons License. Enjoy!

https://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog/38344

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuVo4Nhy7Us

Episode 4.4

We sit down and have a good ol time with BrendEn Cronin. Currently a highway forecaster for Wyoming DOT, BrendEn has been a guide, forecaster, ski patroller, and all around badass kayaker. We cover lots in this episode, and I think we had a pretty good time doing it. BrendEn talks about mentors that have had an influence on him through his career, he recounts some memorable storm cycles in the Tetons, and he ventures into the ins and outs of forecasting for WYDOT. Hope you enjoy. Music in this episode: Funk it VIP by Gramatik and DeFunk as well as So Far by Anitek.

Episode 4.5

This episode features a great interview with Doug Chabot who is the current director of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Bozeman, MT. We chat about some of the strategies the GNAFC utilizes to get their message across to as many diverse user groups as they can. We also chat about his work with several organizations in Pakistan. Doug shares a couple stories of close calls and the subsequent lessons learned from those. Enjoy. Music on this episode was "Somebody" by Gramatik and "Boss O Nova" by Anitek. Enjoy!

Episode 4.6

Danny Holland recounts his perspective of being part of the group that was involved in a fatal avalanche on December 26, 2013. This avalanche took place on the run called Puckerface on Cody Peak just outside of the JHMR boundary. This is not meant to be an exhaustive analysis of the avalanche, but more a conversational piece about how the events of that fateful day unfolded. Thank you to Danny for sharing his story. This is not easy. For more information on this event, see the below links. We can all learn from this.

Accident Report: avalanche.state.co.us/caic/acc/acc_r…=510&accfm=inv

The Avalanche Review article by Alex Do: (Page 19) static1.squarespace.com/static/59d2a0…ALL_LoRes.pdf

Episode 4.7

In this episode, we first chat with CJ Svela who is the Vice President of the Association of Professional Patrollers. He shares with us what the APP is all about, and some of the educational offerings of this winter for Patrollers across the West. We then chat with Laura Maguire, who shares some of her research concerning decision making and cognitive systems in high risk environments.

Episode 4.8

Episode 4.8 highlights Guide, Educator, Patroller, Professional Expedition Skier Jamie Laidlaw. Jamie shares some of the lessons he has learned in the mountains, and what has caught him off guard in the snowpack. He details some strategy about going into areas where there is no readily accessed information to historical snowpack data. I know you'll enjoy this one.

Episode 4.9

Episode 4.10

In Episode 4.10, I sit down with Don Carpenter- Guide, Educator, and owner of The American Avalanche Institute. We chat about some of the programs that AAI offers for some of the special operations teams of the US Military. We chat about teamwork, partners, travel techniques in avalanche terrain, and of course Don shares some stories of his experience throughout his career

Episode 4.11

This episode highlights two avalanche centers that may be smaller in budget and forecast area of other larger centers, but certainly don't lack in professionalism as well as community support. We chat with Gabe Coler and Aaron Hartz of the Central Oregon Avalanche Center as well as Victor Mcneil of the Wallowa Avalanche Centers. We chat about the evolution and growth of these organizations, as well as some of the ways their communities are helping to drive the success of the centers. Enjoy! Music: "Rubberband" by Anitek and " UpFolk" by Ketsa

Episode 4.12

Episode 4.13

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic....Crazy times. Take a timeout to listen to this great episode featuring Eric Knoff. Eric has been a pro patroller, public avalanche forecaster, as well as an educator. We talk to Eric about his career, his new education company: Six Points Avalanche Education, as well as some of his thoughts (and research) on large column tests. Musical tracks by Ketsa. Mission Ready and Onwards Upwards. Check out Six Points Avalanche Education at www.avalancheclass.com.

Episode 4.15

Episode 4.16

In this episode, we hear from Doug Richmond. Doug is a career ski patroller who started out at Sugarbowl in Lake Tahoe and skipped around a bit before settling in to his home at Bridger Bowl. Doug talks about the fundamentals of working in the avalanche environment, what has kept him and his team safe during avalanche mitigation mornings, and what makes a good ski patroller. Doug shares a couple of great stories to round out the hour. Enjoy. Music by Ketsa.

Episode 4.17

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Jordy Hendrikx- Director of the Snow and Avalanche Lab at Montana State University. Jordy talks about the path that led him to his current role at MSU. He talks about what a potential applicant might want to focus on before starting an application to the program. We also chat about some of the current research going on in the program as well as the high caliber employment that graduates are finding in the snow and avalanche arena. We hope you enjoy this episode. Music: Ketsa "Upfronts" and "Sun Inside".

Episode 4.18

Episode 4.19

This episode highlights Kevin Hammonds. Kevin is a professor at Montana State University in the Civil Engineering department. He is also the current director of the Sub Zero Lab at MSU. Kevin is a great example of someone who is dedicated to merging theory and practice within our field of interest and curiosity. Kevin dives into what is involved in the lab, and some of the interesting research that is going on as well. Tunes by Ketsa: "Thinking Free" and "Peace Out".

Episode 4.20

It's episode 4.20, man. This episode features Alex Marienthal. Alex obtained both BS and MS degrees in the Snow Science Program at Montana State University. We chat with Alex about his graduate research regarding better forecasting for deep slab avalanches. Alex shares with us some of the ways he tries to communicate complex problems in a concise way within his forecasts. He also recounts some experiences in his career that he doesn't plan on forgetting. Hope you enjoy. Music by Ketsa

Episode 3.1

In the first episode of Season 3, we sit down with Erich Peitzsch- A physical scientist with the USGS. Erich has a background in ski patrolling and avalanche forecasting, and is also working on his PhD from Montana State. Erich talks about the forecasting program for the Going to the Sun Road at Glacier National Park, and explains some of his research. Enjoy!

For more information on GNP's avalanche forecasting program as well as Erich's research- Check out these links. Thanks to Peri Sasnett for sharing these!

www.nps.gov/gis/storymaps/casca…a7cb4f2f3fc66af107c

www.nps.gov/articles/avalanche_research.htm

Episode 3.2

Tune in to this episode where we talk to Brian Lazar. Brian is the deputy director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. We chat about the many roles he has had in the Snow and Avalanche world, discuss the structure of the CAIC, and what a day in the life looks like. We also give a reminder of the 2018 SAW season and ask for input from listeners who may have been at the 2018 ISSW. Enjoy! Music on this episode is performed by Gramatik.

Episode 3.3

In this episode, We highlight a submission from Greg Cunningham on his favorite couple presentations from ISSW ’18. We then jump into an interview with Jake Hutchinson. Jake is a longtime ski patroller, forecaster, guide, and avalanche educator. Last year, Jake wrote a great article in Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal titled “Guilt” where he talked about issues surrounding perhaps the most pivotal experience of his career. He opens the door on some tough issues facing specifically the patrol and guiding world related to dealing with traumatic events. Do you have thoughts or input on these topics? Reach out to us at theavalanchehourpodcast@gmail.com to send your feedback. Music on this episode was performed by GRiZ and Anitek. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 3.4

People are starting to ride, and people are starting to trigger avalanches! Even if it's not snowing where you are, it is not a bad idea to start tracking what the snowpack is doing where your mid winter backcountry trip may be. This episode has an introduction to the A3's new Executive Director, an awesome ISSW recap from Utah Avalanche Center's Greg Gagne, and a great interview from former ski patroller and supervisor of UDOT's avalanche safety program: Liam Fitzgerald. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 3.5

Episode 3.6

This episode includes a story and reflections of a guided heli skier being caught in a an avalanche. We then feature an interview with Ted Steiner who is an avalanche forecaster and consultant for the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway in Essex, MT. Find out how to enter in this season's first podcast contest, and listen to find out how your donation to the American Avalanche Association can go further this month! Enjoy and Happy Holidays. Music on today's episode is from Broke for Free, The Polish Ambassador, and Podington Bear. All Made possible by the Creative Commons License and distributed through the Free Music Archive. A link to a video about the work Ted and his forecasting team do is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIjXmzIrPO4

Episode 3.7

In this episode, we interview Roger Coit. Roger is the faculty lead for the Leadville, CO based Colorado Mountain College Avalanche Science Program. Roger talks about his background and then what it has taken to develop this cutting edge program in the U.S. He explains what the program entails, what is expected of the students, and the value that this program will add to the avalanche industry in the U.S. www.coloradomtn.edu/avalanche-science Enjoy!

Episode 3.8

This episode features John Reller and Lane Critser. We talk about the C-RAD (Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment) organization as well as what goes into the training and utilization of Avalanche Dog Teams. It was a super fun interview to do with these guys, and I think you'll enjoy it. Check out C-RAD at www.c-rad.org. Music on this episode was Sunsquabi's "Reptile" (feat. Nicholas Gerlach) off their new album "Instinct". Taking us out of the hour was Cabin Sessions by GRiZ

Episode 3.9

You asked for it, we delivered it. Here is a bonus episode with Flight Paramedic and Vail Ski Patroller Graham Kane. Graham lays out some important fundamentals of post avalanche burial resuscitation and trauma care in a way that is digestable to all no matter your level of training. A must listen for anyone who spends time in backcountry avalanche terrain. Music by Anitek. Enjoy.
You might find it helpful to pull up these resources as Graham lays out the WMS and ICAR Medcom guidelines:
www.wildmedcenter.com/uploads/5/9/8/…1113001860.pdf

Episode 3.10

Tune in today as we sit down with Jamie Yount- the Program Manager for the Avalanche Safety Program for the Colorado Department of Transportation. Jamie reflects on his education, career, and the path that he has taken to find himself in this position. He explains how one of the largest state highway avalanche forecasting programs runs. Enjoy. Music on this episode by Schedule One Beats

Episode 3.11

Episode 3.12

This episode features Mark Mueller. Mark has been one many hats in the Avalanche arena from The Executive Director of A3, to Ski Patrol Director at Squaw Valley to his current role as a highway forecaster for CAIC. There are so many good tidbits in this interview as Mark tells us his story, and gives a glimpse into his day to day routine. Music on this episode is by SoDown. Check out more tracks of theirs on SoundCloud!

Episode 3.12

In this episode, we chat with Jack Reuppel- Long time ski patroller and snow safety technician from Summit County, CO. Jack talks about some ideas on temporal variability of the snowpack. If you want to work with Jack on some of his research, email him at jack4of5@gmail.com. Enjoy the episode

Episode 3.14

We've got a great interview with Ben Pritchett- Forecaster, Guide, and Educator based out of Crested Butte, CO. Ben tells the story of his career, and also tells the story of the start of AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) of which he was very involved with for a number of years. We talk about some of the intricacies of forecasting within the Crested Butte area, the relationship between the Crested Butte Avalanche Center and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and Ben rounds out the hour with an account of when he was surprised by the snowpack. This one is a good one. You will like. I promise. 
Music on the episode: Gramatik: Klassikal & Somebody. Anitek: Volley Principle

Episode 3.15

Episode 3.16

The corn harvest is on in the PNW! I've been busy in the last couple weeks, but was stoked to make time to review this episode. I think you will really appreciate it. We sit down with Evelyn Lees of the Utah Avalanche Center. She tells us about her career, and dives into a talk that she and Mark Staples have been sharing throughout the US during the Snow and Avalanche Workshop seasons. The topic involves being solo- or "effectively" solo in the backcountry. Enjoy.

Episode 3.17

As we wind down The Avalanche Hour Podcast season, I highlight a great interview with John Sykes. John is part psychologist, part guide, part educator, and part researcher. Some might say a full unicorn. John graduated recently with his Masters Degree from MSU, and has also recently started a phD program at Simon Fraser University. We chat about his life, about his work, and about his decision making in the backcountry.

Episode 3.18

For 45 years, billy barr has been taking weather observations every day from the same location in Gothic, CO. In the wintertime, he makes observations of avalanches of the numerous paths surrounding his house. billy has no vehicle. He skis into town for supplies as the road is closed in the winter. He loves numbers, and with all of this weather data over such an extended time, he has lots of numbers to look at. His work has caught the attention of scientists studying climate change. In this episode, we hear about his life and his work. Tune in.

Episode 3.19

Last episode of season 3 highlights an interview with longtime Heli Ski Guide Roger Atkins. Roger presented the paper Yin, Yang, and You at the 2014 ISSW. He outlined how approaching each day with a strategic mindset might help guiding operations choose appropriate terrain and manage clients in the best way. This will be a timeless episode, that would be helpful to review once the snow starts flying again. The beginning of the show has some background noise, but it decreases throughout the show. A link to Roger's Paper is below:http://arc.lib.montana.edu/snow-science/objects/ISSW14_paper_O9.02.pdf

Episode 2.1

In this episode, we talk to Bill Nalli of the Utah Department of Transportation.  Listen in as we get a glimpse of what it is like to be a highway forecaster in the heart of the Wasatch mountains.  Bill explains some of the history of avalanche forecasting and mitigation in Little Cottonwood Canyon then goes on to explain some challenges that currently exist, and explains a plan with some alternative solutions for the future.  I think you'll really enjoy this one!

Episode 2.8

Episode 2.10

Episode 2.11

Episode 2.11 features Lynne Wolfe.  Lynne is a longtime avalanche educator and guide in the Tetons.  She is also the editor of The Avalanche Review publication for the A3.   We talk about her background, some of her mentors, as well as what goes in to putting the publication that ties our community together.  Enjoy!

Episode 2.12

Episode 2.13

Episode 2.13 features Rod Newcomb. Rod is a pioneer of the snow and avalanche arena and shares some of his experiences since moving to the Tetons almost 60 years ago. I think it is so valuable to share interviews like this, as Rod has so much mileage in the mountains as an avalanche forecaster, guide, and educator. There are a couple audio blips in this recording due to some technical problems and some background noise, but the recording does increase in quality as the show progresses. I hope you enjoy!

Episode 2.14

This episode is a one-two punch featuring two guests. Sean Zimmerman-Wall and Alex Taran both started their careers as Snowbird Ski Patrollers learning and working amongst the walls of Little Cottonwood Canyon. They both ventured to South America to extend their ski seasons, where they both started guiding. Alex went on to start the South American Beacon Project, and Sean became part owner of Patagonia Ski Tours. Tune in as we explore their careers, and passion projects within the Snow and Avalanche Arena.

Episode 2.15

In episode 2.15, I sit down with Hans Hjelde of Snowbasin, UT. Enjoy our chat with Hans...I know I did as we sat down, threw back a few drinks and Hans talks about his experience as a ski patroller, ski guide, dog handler, backcountry forecaster, and volunteer climbing ranger in places like Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand, Danali, AK, Gulmarg India, Snowbasin, UT, and the Ruby Mountains of NE Nevada. I am hoping next season, I will be able to compile another episode featuring other people's experience forecasting and working in Gulmarg, as it seems like such a unique avalanche forecasting experience.... Enjoy the episode!

Episode 2.16

In the last episode of season 2, we hear a story from John Lemnotis. John was backcountry riding with some friends in early June a few years back when he was involved and injured in an avalanche. John is a ski and rock guide based out of the Wasatch...or wherever his van is parked...

Episode 1

In our first episode of The Avalanche Hour, we hear from professional backcountry skier Noah Howell about his history with avalanche education and a close call he dealt with in Alaska.  Colin Zacharias shares some risk management strategies that can be used by both recreational backcountry users as well as the professional community.  Finally, Scott Savage of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center talks to us about the season's snowpack up in his neck of the woods.   

Episode 2

Our second episode of The Avalanche Hour highlights a story of an avalanche accident on Snoqualmie Pass from Roger Strong.  We talk to Utah Avalanche Center's Drew Hardesty about shared responsibility amongst users in areas of high use backcountry avalanche terrain.  We round out the show with a seasonal snowpack roundup from Alex Marienthal of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.  

Episode 3

Our third podcast highlights some thoughts and reflections from Kevin Grove of Bend, Oregon.  Kevin talks about his experiences skiing in the Central Oregon mountains and how his risk tolerance has shifted since bringing a daughter into his life.  Caleb rounds out the show by reflecting on some complacent decision making in low consequence terrain.  

Episode 4

This episode will be broken down into two separate episodes, and will talk about some of the details of how avalanche education within the United States will be changing in the next year.  We sit down with Kirk Bachman of Stanley Idaho.  Kirk wears many hats and one of them is that of the Chair of the Education Committee for the American Avalanche Association.  Kirk Explains some of the reasoning for the upcoming Professional/Recreational split and how it can benefit different user groups.  In part 2 of the episode, we finish our conversation with Kirk about how you may fit into the new paradigm of avalanche education.  We then talk to IFMGA and heli ski guide Jonathon Spitzer.  Jonathon also works as an instructor for AIARE and the AMGA, and brings some perspective about how the upcoming Pro/Rec split may benefit the professional guiding community.  

Episode 5

In this episode, we talk to Nick Meyers. Nick is the Director of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center as well as the lead climbing ranger for the area. We talk to Nick about springtime avalanche concerns all over the western US. He also lets us know some things to think about when planning a climbing or skiing trip to Mt. Shasta. Enjoy!