Since the avalanche danger this weekend is at the EXTREME level (check out Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center) in the Cascades, please be cautious while traveling out in the backcountry. 

For your viewing pleasure, here's a video showing how Steven's Pass, WA, controls the avalache danger at the ski area. 



With the avy danger so high, folks will be looking for ways to get out and entertain themselves.  The next video clip shows folks jumping the road gap at Mt. Baker. 




On average 37 people are killed each year by avalanches in the United States alone. Almost all of these avalanches are started by the people caught in them. Some basic level or training and knowledge can dramatically increase your margin of safety while traveling in the backcountry.  At the American Alpine Institute, we offer AIARIE Avalanche Courses where we will teach you what to look for in the snow pack, how to test stability, how to read terrain and avoid danger zones, and how to rescue yourself and partners if caught in an avalanche.  There is room available in our classes, so register  online today!  

-Katy Pfannenstein
Program Coordinator