The 2025-26 winter season marks a significant milestone for the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), as the organization proudly commemorates 50 years of dedicated service to the Pacific Northwest. Since its inception, NWAC has been at the forefront of providing science-based avalanche forecasting, fostering community-centered education, and upholding an unwavering commitment to public safety in mountainous terrain. What began as a modest initiative by a few dedicated scientists at the University of Washington has blossomed into a nationally recognized and respected institution, instrumental in mitigating avalanche risks for recreationists, commuters, and residents alike. This narrative delves into the origins of NWAC, tracing its evolution from visionary beginnings, through formidable challenges, to its current status as a trusted authority in mountain weather and avalanche forecasting.
The Genesis of Avalanche Awareness: A Growing Need in the Cascades
The 1970s witnessed a dramatic surge in winter recreation across the western United States. With this burgeoning popularity came an unfortunate increase in avalanche-related fatalities, climbing from an average of seven per year to over twenty. While avalanche control programs and safety education efforts were beginning to expand, the sheer volume of people venturing into avalanche-prone areas continued to escalate, creating an urgent need for reliable forecasting.
Prior to the formal establishment of NWAC, efforts to warn the public of dangerous conditions were largely ad-hoc. Paul Frankenstein of the Forest Service’s Snoqualmie National Forest and Frank "Bud" Reanier of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle would issue informal warnings when conditions warranted. However, a systematic forecasting approach was absent. This gap began to be addressed in the early 1970s when Ken White, also with the Forest Service, launched the region’s first avalanche hotline, aptly named 442-SNOW. This pioneering service, initially focused on the Snoqualmie Pass area, represented a crucial early step towards the sophisticated, real-time forecasting network that NWAC manages today.
The Birth of NWAC: Merging Science and Urgency
The mid-1970s marked a pivotal period with the initiation of a collaborative effort involving the Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Seattle office of the National Weather Service. Central to this initiative were researchers from the University of Washington, notably the esteemed snow scientist Dr. Ed LaChapelle, alongside his graduate students Mark Moore and Rich Marriott. Their primary objective was to develop a practical avalanche forecasting program that could be integrated into highway operations, particularly along the vital Interstate 90 corridor and the newly opened North Cascades Highway. These routes were not only critical arteries for regional transportation but also inherently vulnerable to the destructive power of avalanches.
December 6, 1975: The Inaugural Forecast
What commenced as a temporary research project soon evolved into a fully operational entity. On December 6, 1975, NWAC issued its first official backcountry avalanche forecast, positioning it as the second program of its kind in the United States, following Colorado’s Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), which began operations in 1973. The early operations of NWAC were largely driven by the dedication of graduate students Rich Marriott and Mark Moore. Supported by Dr. LaChapelle and Bud Reanier, they were instrumental in issuing forecasts, developing crucial instrumentation, and fostering vital partnerships with local and federal agencies.
NWAC Takes Shape: The Foundation Years (Late 1970s – 1980s)
The late 1970s ushered in a new era for NWAC with the establishment of a formal cooperative agreement in 1978. This agreement solidified partnerships between the Forest Service, the National Weather Service, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the National Park Service. Roland "Em" Emetaz of the Forest Service played a critical role as a strong advocate, instrumental in securing the necessary support for NWAC to flourish within the Forest Service framework. This formalized structure facilitated cost-sharing and placed the program’s administration under the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office.
During these formative years, NWAC operated with a lean but dedicated team. The original NWAC team, active through the 1970s and 1980s, included:
- Mark Moore: A founding member and long-time director, Moore’s career at NWAC spanned from its inception in 1975 until his retirement in 2012. He was a tireless champion for the center, shaping its trajectory and establishing its reputation.
- Rich Marriott: Another founding member, Marriott played a crucial role in the early forecasting efforts. He later embarked on a successful career in broadcast meteorology, becoming a familiar face on KING 5 News for over three decades.
- Pam Speers Hays: A forecaster who left her mark on NWAC during her tenure.
- Sue Ferguson: A highly influential figure in snow science and avalanche safety.
The development of essential tools and methodologies was paramount. Rich Marriott was often seen examining snow crystals with a snow density kit designed by Phil Taylor, a testament to the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of the early team. Phil Taylor, a local Seattle engineer who connected with Moore and Marriott at UW in the 1970s, became an indispensable contributor. Taylor dedicated countless hours to developing, testing, and building many of the wind instruments, snow boards, and other mountain weather measuring equipment that NWAC continues to utilize today. His instruments, renowned for their durability in harsh conditions, are deployed not only across the Cascades but on remote peaks facing extreme weather. Andy Harrington, a current NWAC Avalanche Forecaster, noted in a tribute to Taylor that his "contributions to our industry are overlooked… Although never in the spotlight, he worked closely with some of the pioneers of our industry to create instrumentation that helps us all perform our jobs better."
Sue Ferguson, who held a BS in physics and a PhD in Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, was a formidable presence in the field. Mentored by Dr. Ed LaChapelle, she served as the Director of the Utah Avalanche Center from 1984 to 1986 before joining NWAC as an avalanche meteorologist from 1986 to 1992. Her academic contributions were significant, including instructional books on glaciers and avalanches, and she was instrumental in the founding of The Avalanche Review and the American Avalanche Association. Tragically, Sue passed away from cancer in 2005, but her legacy as a beloved and influential member of the snow science community endures. Mark Moore penned a heartfelt tribute in April 2006, highlighting her immediate impact at NWAC, her precocious learning ability, and her remarkable capacity for gaining a broad and reasoned perspective.
Innovation on a Shoestring Budget
In the absence of modern budgets and sophisticated technology, early NWAC staff relied on ingenuity and resourcefulness. Mark Moore recalled the challenges of securing reliable communication: "We had to lease a [phone] line between Seattle and Stevens Pass. We had our own line for feeding information all the time," supplemented by a rudimentary modem to decode weather data transmitted via chairlift phone lines to the NWAC office. When equipment inevitably failed, the solutions were often creative and field-expedient. The article notes instances of "chewing gum and beer cans" being used for repairs, underscoring the resourcefulness required to maintain operations.
Earning Trust: Integrating with the National Weather Service
The co-location of NWAC with the Seattle National Weather Service office in 1978 was a significant step, though not without its initial challenges. Rich Marriott humorously recalled the early reception: "The forecasters didn’t like us. Mark and I looked like we had just come out of the backcountry after two years—huge hair, huge beards. They wanted to have us deloused." However, the consistent delivery of high-quality mountain observations and the expansion of NWAC’s data network gradually proved invaluable. Even the most skeptical NWS forecasters came to recognize the program’s worth. A key figure in this integration was Bud Reanier, then Deputy Meteorologist-in-Charge at the NWS Seattle office. Reanier’s belief in NWAC’s potential was crucial in embedding the center within the broader forecasting community. Mark Moore’s dedication was further demonstrated by his presence in the NWS office during the late 1970s, surrounded by maps, forecasts, and weather data, diligently working to advance the center’s mission.
Expansion and Professionalization: The 1990s and 2000s
For decades, NWAC operated with a core team of just three forecasters. This period saw a steady refinement of forecasting techniques and a significant expansion of the mountain weather station network. A critical development occurred in 1999 with the founding of the nonprofit Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center. This organization was established to bolster the center’s growing public education initiatives and fundraising efforts. Eventually, this community-driven nonprofit would merge with the Forest Service’s NWAC operations, creating a unified organizational structure.
Alongside Mark Moore, two other forecasters formed the backbone of NWAC for nearly three decades: Kenny Kramer (at NWAC from 1989 to 2019) and Garth Ferber (at NWAC from 1993 to 2016). Garth Ferber, known for his calm demeanor whether behind the forecast desk or navigating challenging mountain terrain, took a leading role in NWAC’s weather station program. His mentorship extended well beyond his retirement, significantly influencing the newer generation of NWAC forecasters. Kenny Kramer ascended to the position of NWAC’s Forecast Director in 2013. While renowned for his forecasting expertise, Kramer also harbored a passion for beach locales and surfing.
The transition and expansion of NWAC during the 2010s, a period marked by a surge in backcountry use and rapid technological advancements, was significantly shaped by Kenny Kramer, Scott Schell (NWAC’s Non-Profit Executive Director), Dennis D’Amico (NWAC’s current Forecast Director), and Simon Trautman (now Director of the National Avalanche Center). Their collective efforts laid crucial groundwork for NWAC’s growth.
In 2013, NWAC expanded its operational capacity by establishing a field-based professional observer program comprising six individuals, including Dallas Glass, NWAC’s current Forecast Deputy Director. This initiative paved the way for further growth. By 2017, NWAC embarked on a steady, almost annual, increase in its field and community-based avalanche forecasters. The team grew from its historical baseline of three meteorologists to a total of eleven forecasters, strategically positioned from Bellingham to Hood River and from Seattle to Leavenworth, enhancing the reach and timeliness of forecasts. A photo from this era shows Kenny, Mark, and Garth at the National Weather Service office, representing a significant portion of NWAC’s institutional knowledge.
Today: A Hub of Innovation and Impact
Currently, NWAC operates with a robust team and an extensive network of resources. The center now boasts:
- 11 Avalanche Forecasters
- 4 Meteorologists
- 2 Avalanche Specialists
- 2 Field Observers
- 2 Support Staff
- A network of over 200 volunteer observers
Collectively, NWAC has built:
- Over 100 weather stations across the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
- A comprehensive avalanche forecast program issuing over 1,300 forecasts annually.
- Extensive public education outreach, including avalanche awareness courses and informational materials, reaching thousands of backcountry users each year.
- Advanced data management systems for collecting and analyzing snowpack and weather data.
The center’s success is underpinned by the sustained support of long-standing partners, including:
- The U.S. Forest Service
- The National Weather Service
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- National Park Service
- The Forest Service Avalanche Center Program
- The Northwest Avalanche Center Foundation
- The American Avalanche Association
Looking Towards the Future
From improvisational fixes in the field to sophisticated high-tech modeling and accessible smartphone forecasts, NWAC has consistently demonstrated a spirit of innovation. The journey from two young scientists painstakingly piecing together an avalanche forecast to a fully operational center issuing over 1,300 forecasts annually, educating thousands of backcountry users, and garnering millions of dollars in community support over the years, is a testament to their enduring mission. As an increasing number of individuals venture into the backcountry, the importance of NWAC’s work becomes ever more critical.
NWAC stands as a reflection of the resilient, resourceful, and community-oriented spirit of the Pacific Northwest. As the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, it honors the individuals who laid its foundation, the partners who have sustained its operations, and the public whose trust and engagement have been paramount. Looking ahead to the next half-century, NWAC remains steadfast in its core belief: informed recreation saves lives. Whether one is ascending a quiet ridge, navigating a snow-covered highway, or imparting avalanche safety knowledge to others, they are an integral part of NWAC’s ongoing story. The organization expresses pride in its past achievements, gratitude for the unwavering support it has received, and profound excitement for the future. The image of Mark Moore skiing at Crystal Mountain in 1980, captured during the early days, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey and the elation of reaching this 50-year milestone.
