Field Teams

Last winter was a big step forward for Avalanche Canada with the launch of two new field teams that allowed us to increase our presence and produce forecasts for two new regions. Thanks to our federal endowment, we were able to hire field teams for the North Rockies and Yukon, adding to our long-running South Rockies team. Each three-person team plays a valuable role in their respective regions. The teams collect snowpack, weather, and avalanche information in data-sparse areas for the forecasting office in Revelstoke, and conducts vital outreach with backcountry recreationists.

South Rockies

The South Rockies field team is a leader in avalanche awareness in its region and is the model for new Avalanche Canada field teams. Team members attend outreach events and have developed a strong social media following, making them a trusted resource for the backcountry community in the South Rockies region.

In the winter of 2019-20, they played a key role in the second annual Elk Valley Snow and Avalanche Workshop. They were back at the Fernie Snowmobile Association’s Avalanche Awareness Days, helping to run the transceiver station. They interacted with many sledders, who were keen to ask questions and practice their search skills. They also attended the CrowSnow Riders poker run and the FSA Gumball Adventure Challenge, where they ran the avalanche rescue station.

The South Rockies team has developed a highly successful model of promoting a culture of avalanche safety through outreach and social media.

North Rockies

Our new North Rockies field team worked hard to develop a new program last winter and was very well received in their region. Based out of Prince George and McBride, team members made field trips throughout the region, providing essential snowpack, weather, and avalanche observations so our forecasters in Revelstoke could produce the first ever avalanche forecasts for the North Rockies. Forecasts were published every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the winter.

In addition to their field work, the team was active on social media and in conducting outreach at trailheads and in the field. They attended Cabin Fever Days in Mackenzie and gave a presentation to the Prince George Snowmobile Club. They developed many connections in the region, which will help them expand their outreach going forward.

Yukon

The Yukon field team aims to address both data sparsity in a new forecast region and to provide localized avalanche risk communications and outreach to communities in northern BC and Yukon, with a focus on the White Pass area.

Users in the area span numerous different backcountry modes of travel, including skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, hikers, hunters, and trappers. The diversity of users and abilities is unique to the Yukon forecast region and to some extent this diversity is mirrored in the new team. The team worked on developing a social media presence and partnered with the Yukon Avalanche Association on outreach activities.

In the team's inaugural year, much of the program was developed from scratch based on a framework from existing teams. This, in conjunction with the season being cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic, made for a dynamic and at times challenging season.

Top: North Rockies field team, from left: Dave Merritt, Martina Halik, and Ben Hawkins. Image: James Floyer Middle: Yukon field team, from left: James Minifie, Alastair Wain, and Drew Nylen. Image: Ilya Storm Bottom: Our field teams use skis and snowmobiles to access terrain. Pictured is Jennifer Coulter of the South Rockies field team. Image: Leslie Crawley