Northwest Snow and Avalanche Workshop 2021

Join the Northwest Avalanche Center in the fourteenth annual Northwest Snow and Avalanche Workshop (NSAW). NSAW is the region’s largest gathering of snow and avalanche professionals and backcountry recreationists who work and travel in avalanche terrain. 

NSAW covers topics on recent scientific research, technical innovations, avalanche safety, and mountain experience. Talks will range from scholarly research to every day application; all attendees, regardless of experience, will walk away with new  tools for the backcountry. 

NSAW is an opportunity to hear from leading avalanche practitioners and take the next step in your backcountry education. 

Northwest Snow and Avalanche Workshop Cost

General Admission: $40

Members: $25

2021 is a virtual event

Event Schedule

Wednesday, Oct 13th – Keeping It Local 

6:00 pm  Opening
6:15 pm Sarah Carpenter, How Manageable are These Avalanche Problems?
6:40 pm Sarah Lange, Data & Observations of Changing Backcountry Visitor Use 
7:05 pm Dennis D’Amico, NWAC Forecast Operations 2021-2022 
7:25 pm Justin Davis, Community Radio Program for Group to Group Communication in Avalanche Terrain 
7:45 pm Closing 

Monday, Oct 18th – Difficult Choices: Decision Making Amidst Tricky Odds 

6:00 pm Opening
6:15 pm Spencer Logan,  Avalanche Fatalities in 2020-2021
6:35 pm Eeva Latosuo, Where Do You Want to Go? Exploring Backcountry Travelers’ Destination Choices 
7:05 pm Rob Coppolillo, Are You Skiing With a Group … or With a Team? 
7:25 pm Gary Kuehan, Risky Business: Resilience and Recovery in the Mountains 
7:45 pm Closing 

Wednesday, Oct 20 – Past, Present, and Future: Snowpack, Weather, and Avalanches

6:00 pm Opening 
6:15 pm Amelie Goulet-Boucher, Avalanche Forecasting Research
6:40 pm Matt Primomo, Decision Making in the Face of Deep Persistent Slabs in the Pacific Northwest  
7:05 pm Nick Bond, Outlook for the Winter of 2021-22 in the Pacific NW 
7:45 pm How to Stay Engaged this Winter and Closing Remarks