Alaska News

Southcentral Alaska avalanche deaths boost demand for educational courses

Avalanche forecasters in Southcentral Alaska will be offering more free courses on avalanche preparedness, prompted by mounting public interest after several avalanche deaths in the backcountry this winter.

The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center typically hosts between 10 and 12 free classes a year, mostly in November and December. But the center is planning to schedule more, based on popular demand, said Wendy Wagner, center director.

That includes new classes in Hatcher Pass, where avalanches have killed two skiers and a snowmachiner since November.

"There's definitely more public interest, and I do think that's in light of the unfortunate accidents that have happened at Hatcher Pass," Wagner said in a phone interview Saturday. "It brings that much more awareness to avalanche issues in the backcountry."

The center's next free course will be held Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Blue and Gold Boardshop in Anchorage, 11124 Old Seward Highway. Other course dates are listed on the center's website calendar, and Wagner said more will be scheduled in the coming days.

With more snow this year than last winter, more people are using the backcountry. That's contributed to the higher interest, Wagner said. There have also been large avalanches in areas that haven't seen big snowslides in some time, such as along the Parks Highway.

The recent deaths have also heightened awareness. Alaska averages about four backcountry avalanche fatalities each winter, Wagner said. Fatalities usually occur closer to spring, when there's more light and more people heading out to ski or snowmachine.

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"Now we have three ... and it's January," she said.

Wagner said the free classes focus on foundational knowledge of rescue gear -- the importance of carrying a beacon, shovel and probe -- as well as rescue techniques and how to recognize avalanche hazards while in the field. The center hosts hands-on rescue workshops in Turnagain Pass throughout the year, and officials at the center hope to schedule several in Hatcher Pass.

Free classes serve as helpful grounding for anyone interested in a multiday paid course with avalanche educators, Wagner said.

In general, Wagner said, she's seen a shift when it comes to avalanche awareness.

"It's cool to have your avalanche gear," Wagner said. "20, 30, 40 years ago, it would be … 'I don't need that.' But clearly you need it, if you want to come home."

Devin Kelly

Devin Kelly was an ADN staff reporter.

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