The 2025-26 winter season marks a monumental occasion for the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), celebrating 50 years of dedicated service to the Pacific Northwest. Since its inception, NWAC has been a beacon of science-based avalanche forecasting, community-centered education, and an unwavering commitment to public safety in mountainous regions. What began as a modest endeavor by a few dedicated scientists at the University of Washington has blossomed into a nationally recognized and respected avalanche center. This is the story of NWAC: a testament to the vision of its founders, the perseverance through numerous challenges, and the ingenious spirit that forged one of the most trusted institutions in mountain weather and avalanche forecasting.
The Genesis of a Need: Rising Avalanche Risks in the 1970s
The mid-20th century witnessed a significant surge in winter recreation across the western United States. As more individuals ventured into the snow-covered backcountry for skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering, the number of avalanche-related fatalities climbed alarmingly. From an average of seven deaths per year in the preceding decades, the toll rose to over twenty annually by the 1970s. This escalating danger underscored a critical gap in public safety information and forecasting capabilities.
While avalanche control programs and safety education initiatives were beginning to expand, the growing public exposure to avalanche terrain outpaced these efforts. Recognizing this disparity, early pioneers like Paul Frankenstein of the Forest Service’s Snoqualmie National Forest and Frank "Bud" Reanier of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle took nascent steps. They began issuing informal avalanche warnings when conditions were deemed particularly hazardous. However, a formal, systematic forecasting program was conspicuously absent.
A significant stride toward a structured approach occurred in the early 1970s when Ken White, also with the Forest Service, launched the first avalanche hotline in the Northwest. Dubbed "442-SNOW," this service initially focused on the Snoqualmie Pass area. Though rudimentary by today’s standards, this early hotline represented a crucial foundational step towards the comprehensive, real-time forecasting network that NWAC provides today, offering vital information directly to the public.
The Birth of NWAC: A Convergence of Science and Urgency
The mid-1970s saw a pivotal collaboration initiated between several key entities: the Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Seattle office of the National Weather Service. At the core of this burgeoning initiative were dedicated researchers from the University of Washington, most notably the esteemed snow scientist Ed LaChapelle, alongside his graduate students Mark Moore and Rich Marriott.
Their primary objective was clear: to develop a practical avalanche forecasting program that could effectively serve highway operations, particularly along the vital Interstate 90 corridor and the newly opened North Cascades Highway. These routes were not only essential arteries for regional transportation but also notoriously susceptible to devastating avalanche events, posing significant risks to travelers.
December 6, 1975: The Dawn of Official Forecasting
What began as a temporary research initiative rapidly evolved into a fully operational program. On December 6, 1975, NWAC issued its inaugural official backcountry avalanche forecast. This marked a significant milestone, positioning NWAC as the second program of its kind in the United States, following Colorado’s Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), which had launched in 1973.
The early operational framework of NWAC was largely driven by Rich Marriott and Mark Moore, still graduate students at the time. Their tireless efforts, in partnership with Ed LaChapelle and Bud Reanier, were instrumental in issuing forecasts, developing essential instrumentation, and fostering crucial relationships with local and federal agencies. This foundational period laid the groundwork for NWAC’s enduring mission.
NWAC Takes Shape: The Late 1970s and 1980s
The late 1970s ushered in a new era for NWAC with the establishment of a formal cooperative agreement in 1978. This agreement solidified a partnership between the Forest Service, the National Weather Service, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the National Park Service. Roland "Em" Emetaz, a strong proponent within the Forest Service, played a crucial role in securing this agreement, which facilitated cost-sharing and formally integrated NWAC’s administration under the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office.
During these formative years, NWAC operated with a lean but dedicated team. The core operational infrastructure relied on a limited number of forecasters, often supplemented by dedicated volunteers and researchers. Communication methods were basic, with telephone lines serving as the primary conduit for information exchange. Essential data collection often depended on manual observations and rudimentary equipment.
The original NWAC team during the 1970s and 1980s included a group of passionate individuals who were instrumental in shaping the center’s early trajectory. Mark Moore, who would lead NWAC for his entire career, was a driving force from its inception in 1975 until his retirement in 2012. Rich Marriott, after contributing significantly to NWAC’s early development, embarked on a distinguished career in broadcast meteorology, becoming a familiar face to viewers in the Puget Sound region for over three decades.
Other key figures who left an indelible mark on NWAC during this period included Pam Speers Hays and Sue Ferguson. Sue, in particular, was a towering figure in the snow science community. Holding a Ph.D. in Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, where she was mentored by Ed LaChapelle, Sue served as Director of the Utah Avalanche Center from 1984 to 1986 before joining NWAC as an avalanche meteorologist from 1986 to 1992. Her contributions extended beyond forecasting; she authored instructional books on glaciers and avalanches, played a pivotal role in founding The Avalanche Review, and was instrumental in establishing the American Avalanche Association. Her tragic passing in 2005 was deeply mourned, with Mark Moore eloquently memorializing her as "precocious and a quick learner" with a "great ability to gain a broad and reasoned perspective."
Beyond the forecasting staff, the contributions of Phil Taylor, a local Seattle engineer, were invaluable. Taylor, who met Mark and Rich at UW in the 1970s, dedicated himself to designing, testing, and building specialized weather-measuring equipment for NWAC. His innovative wind instruments, snow boards, and other meteorological tools were developed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Pacific Northwest and are still utilized by NWAC today. Andy Harrington, a current NWAC Avalanche Forecaster, aptly described Taylor’s impact, noting that "his contributions to our industry are overlooked… he worked closely with some of the pioneers of our industry to create instrumentation that helps us all perform our jobs better."
Innovation on a Shoestring Budget
In its early years, NWAC operated with severely limited resources, a stark contrast to the technological capabilities available today. The staff often had to resort to ingenious, low-cost solutions to maintain operations. Mark Moore recalled the necessity of leasing a dedicated phone line between Seattle and Stevens Pass to ensure constant data flow. A rudimentary modem was employed to decode weather data transmitted via phone lines from remote locations, sometimes even from chairlifts.
When equipment inevitably failed – a common occurrence given the challenging mountain environment and limited budgets – the solutions were as creative as they were pragmatic. These often involved improvisation, using readily available materials, and a good dose of ingenuity. Anecdotal evidence suggests that repairs might have involved anything from chewing gum to strategically deployed beer cans to keep critical instruments functioning. This resourceful spirit became a hallmark of NWAC’s early operational ethos.
Gaining Traction with the National Weather Service
The co-location of NWAC with the Seattle National Weather Service (NWS) office in 1978 was a significant step, though not without its initial challenges. Rich Marriott humorously recounted the early days, noting that the NWS forecasters were initially unenthusiastic about their presence. He described himself and Mark Moore as looking "like we had just come out of the backcountry after two years—huge hair, huge beards. They wanted to have us deloused."
However, the undeniable value of NWAC’s high-quality mountain observations and its rapidly expanding data network soon became apparent. Even the most skeptical NWS forecasters began to recognize the program’s importance. A key factor in this acceptance was the support of Bud Reanier, then Deputy Meteorologist-in-Charge at the Seattle NWS. Reanier’s belief in NWAC’s potential and his efforts to integrate the center into the broader forecasting community were instrumental in bridging any initial divides.
Expansion and Professionalization: 1990s – 2000s
For several decades, NWAC maintained a core team of approximately three forecasters. During this period, the focus was on refining forecasting methodologies, expanding the network of mountain weather stations, and building a robust observational database.
A critical development occurred in 1999 with the founding of the nonprofit organization "Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center." This community-driven initiative was established to bolster NWAC’s growing public education programs and fundraising efforts. Over time, this nonprofit entity would eventually merge with the Forest Service’s NWAC operations, creating a more unified and robust organizational structure.
Alongside Mark Moore, two other forecasters formed the backbone of NWAC for nearly three decades: Kenny Kramer (1989-2019) and Garth Ferber (1993-2016). Garth, known for his calm demeanor, was equally effective whether behind the forecast desk or navigating challenging mountain terrain globally. He took a leading role in developing NWAC’s weather station program, providing invaluable mentorship to newer generations of forecasters. Kenny Kramer, who became NWAC’s Forecast Director in 2013, was renowned for his forecasting acumen, though he also harbored a deep affection for surfing and tropical locales.
The 2010s marked a period of significant transition and expansion, driven by a surge in backcountry use and rapid technological advancements. Kenny Kramer, alongside Scott Schell (NWAC’s Non-Profit Executive Director), Dennis D’Amico (current NWAC Forecast Director), and Simon Trautman (now Director of the National Avalanche Center), played crucial roles in navigating these changes and laying the groundwork for NWAC’s future growth.
In 2013, NWAC expanded its operational capacity with a field-based professional observer program comprising six individuals, including Dallas Glass, NWAC’s current Forecast Deputy Director. The subsequent years saw a steady, almost annual, increase in the number of field and community-based avalanche forecasters. This growth transformed NWAC from its historical baseline of three meteorologists to a team of eleven forecasters, strategically positioned across the region, from Bellingham to Hood River and from Seattle to Leavenworth.
NWAC Today: A Hub of Innovation and Impact
Today, the Northwest Avalanche Center stands as a sophisticated and vital institution. NWAC now operates with a dedicated team of eleven full-time forecasters, supported by a network of dedicated field observers and a robust administrative staff. This expanded team allows for more comprehensive coverage and deeper analysis of avalanche conditions across the diverse mountainous terrain of the Pacific Northwest.
The center has built an impressive array of resources and services, including:
- Over 1,300 daily avalanche forecasts issued annually during the winter season, providing critical real-time safety information.
- A network of over 100 automated weather stations strategically deployed in remote alpine environments, gathering vital meteorological data.
- A public education program that reaches thousands of backcountry enthusiasts each year through courses, presentations, and online resources.
- A sophisticated forecasting model that integrates observational data, weather forecasts, and expert analysis to predict avalanche risk.
- A user-friendly website and mobile application that deliver forecasts, safety advisories, and educational content directly to the public.
NWAC’s success and continued operation are deeply intertwined with the support of its long-standing partners, including:
- The U.S. Forest Service
- The National Weather Service
- The Washington State Department of Transportation
- The National Park Service
- The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
- The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
- The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department
- The Backcountry Access Foundation
- The American Avalanche Association
- Numerous other public land management agencies and local ski resorts.
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
From the ingenious "chewing gum fixes" of its early days to the advanced technological modeling and smartphone-accessible forecasts of today, NWAC has consistently demonstrated a spirit of innovation. The organization has evolved dramatically from its humble beginnings with two young scientists to a center that now issues over 1,300 forecasts annually, educates thousands of backcountry users, and has garnered millions of dollars in community support over its history. As the number of individuals venturing into the backcountry continues to rise, NWAC’s mission to promote safety and informed decision-making becomes increasingly vital.
NWAC is a profound reflection of the Pacific Northwest community itself—resilient, resourceful, and deeply committed to the safety and well-being of its members. As NWAC celebrates its 50th anniversary, it honors the individuals who meticulously built this program, the steadfast partners who have sustained it, and the public whose embrace of its mission has been paramount to its success.
Looking towards the future, NWAC remains firmly grounded in the conviction that informed recreation is intrinsically linked to saving lives. Whether one is ascending a quiet ridge, navigating a snow-laden highway, or imparting avalanche safety knowledge to others, each individual becomes a part of NWAC’s ongoing narrative. The organization expresses pride in its past achievements, deep gratitude for the ongoing support it receives, and profound excitement for the opportunities and challenges that the next fifty years will undoubtedly bring.
