Forecasts
Get the Forecast
One of the most important elements of snow safety is getting a current avalanche forecast for the specific area in which you are skiing or riding. Whenever you plan a trip to a ski area, make it a point to get the current avalanche forecasting for that area – wherever it might be in the world. The avalanche forecast, often referred to as an avalanche bulletin in Europe, is the main source of avalanche information for snowsport athletes, coaches and all winter recreationists. Understanding the avalanche forecast is the key first step to reducing your risk with avalanches. Bulletins provide a general assessment of avalanche dangers, and often include local weather, snow, avalanche observations, and highlight unstable snow conditions. Besure to take the time to read the forecast rather than to just look at the icons.
There are literally hundreds of local and regional avalanche forecast services, across the USA and the world. Wherever are going, make sure to research in advance the avalanche forecast centers that provide updated information on the area in which you will be traveling. Make sure to drill down within the country to as localized a service as possible. This page provides an update on most major reporting services around the globe.
United States
There are around two dozen regional avalanche forecasting centers across the USA, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state or local nonprofit organizations. Avalanche.org connects the public to formal avalanche information and education in the United States. Avalanche.org is a partnership between the American Avalanche Association (A3) and the US Forest Service National Avalanche Center (NAC). From this website you can drill down to regional services across the country.
U.S. Avalanche Forecast Centers
Europe
European Avalanche Warning Services is a consortium of national organizations across Central Europe and Scandinavia. Its mission is to prevent loss of life by providing efficient and effective avalanche forecasting and warning services. EAWS is a vital link for any European training or competition plans. From these pages, drill down first into the country of interest, then down into regional services within that country.
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche Canada is a non-government, not-for-profit organization dedicated to public avalanche safety. It issues daily avalanche forecasts throughout the winter for much of the mountainous regions of western Canada.
Australia
Avalanche Australia has been issuing avalanche forecasts during the winter for alpine regions of Australia since 2015, providing this information for the public and its subscribers via its website.
Japan Avalanche Network
The Japan Avalanche Network (JAN) is a non-profit organization specializing in avalanche safety for winter outdoor activities. It provides forecasting information and advisories for select mountain regions around Japan.
South America
Argentina’s Centro de Información de Avalanchas (CIAv) Avalanche Information Center is made up of professionals in the field of snow-meteorology and risk management and provides forecasting in relevant regions of the country. In Chile, Avalanchas Chile began in 2020 and is now providing daily forecasting in relevant regions of the country.
Argentina Avalanche Information Center
Understanding the North American Danger Scale
While the backcountry may vary from coast-to-coast, regional forecast centers use a common danger scale. Understanding that danger scale can save your life!
The USA and Canada use a five-category estimation of the avalanche danger: low, moderate, considerable, high and extreme,
The North American Avalanche Danger Scale is a tool used by avalanche forecasters to communicate the potential for avalanches to cause harm or injury to backcountry travelers. The video below provides an overview of the scale, as well as a quick illustration of how it applies to your daily backcountry risk assessment.