The NorthWest Avalanche Center (NWAC) has long served as a critical resource for winter backcountry enthusiasts, providing essential avalanche forecasts and safety information. At the heart of its operational and outreach efforts lies a dedicated team, including its Development and Communications Manager. In a recent discussion, the manager, who recently transitioned into this more strategic role, shared insights into their journey with NWAC, their responsibilities, and their vision for the future of avalanche safety and the organization.
A Passion for the Backcountry and Mission-Driven Impact
The journey to NWAC for the Development and Communications Manager began with a dual motivation: a profound desire to be more deeply integrated into the winter backcountry community and a strong pull towards mission-driven work. "A desire to be more immersed in the winter backcountry community, combined with motivation for mission-driven work, brought me to my initial role at NWAC," the manager stated. This initial role, focused on membership and communications, provided a fertile ground for leveraging a diverse skill set, fostering community connections, and nurturing creativity within the professional sphere. The experience has been characterized by significant learning and the formation of valuable relationships. "I feel fortunate to have landed in a job where I have the opportunity to utilize a variety of skills, be immersed in community, and tap into creativity at work," they added. "I’ve learned so much and met many incredible people through this job. I am grateful to be a part of a talented team of creatives, educators, innovators, and avalanche professionals."
This sentiment underscores a key aspect of NWAC’s operational philosophy: the integration of diverse talents towards a common, vital goal. The organization relies not only on seasoned avalanche forecasters but also on individuals who can effectively translate complex scientific data into accessible and engaging communication, and who can build the organizational capacity to support this critical work.
Evolving Role: From Coordinator to Strategic Manager
The manager’s role has recently undergone a significant evolution, shifting from Membership & Communications Coordinator to Development & Communications Manager. While the core domain remains the same, this transition signifies a move towards a more strategic and forward-looking approach. "My role recently shifted from Membership & Communications Coordinator to Development & Communications Manager… same realm but with a more strategic focus," they explained.
The day-to-day responsibilities within NWAC are inherently dynamic, reflecting the seasonal nature of winter backcountry activities. "Our days vary significantly throughout the year due to the seasonal nature of the org," the manager noted. This variability necessitates a broad range of skills and adaptability. A typical workload can encompass a wide spectrum of tasks, from the creation of digital content for social media and email campaigns to the visual documentation of forecasters in the field. "I’m usually working on a wide range of things—from creating social media and email content and taking photos/videos of forecasters on field days to shipping membership gear, cleaning up our Salesforce CRM, and planning NWAC events." This multifaceted approach ensures that NWAC not only disseminates critical safety information but also cultivates a strong community of support and engagement.
The shift to a development-focused role highlights NWAC’s commitment to sustainable growth and enhanced operational capacity. Development in this context refers to the strategic efforts to secure funding, build partnerships, and expand resources, all of which are crucial for maintaining and improving the vital services NWAC provides. This includes supporting the expansion of the forecasting team and enhancing the organization’s ability to engage with a growing user base.
Championing Communication and Storytelling
Reflecting on their contributions, the manager expressed particular pride in their involvement with NWAC’s voice and communications over the past two seasons. This involvement has been instrumental in shaping how the organization interacts with its audience. "I have really enjoyed playing a role in NWAC’s voice and communications over the past two seasons," they stated. The creative process of developing imagery and narratives that align with NWAC’s core mission has been both enjoyable and impactful. "It’s been fun and interesting to create images/videos and tell stories in a way that supports and aligns with NWAC’s mission."
The success of fundraising campaigns and NWAC events has been directly bolstered by the team’s communication efforts. "The content that our team created over the past two years helped drive the success of fundraising campaigns and NWAC events, which feels really worthwhile," the manager elaborated. This demonstrates a tangible link between effective communication strategies and the organization’s ability to achieve its financial and programmatic goals. Looking ahead, the manager is eager to apply this experience in their new, more strategic capacity. "I’m excited to take on a more strategic role in NWAC’s communications next season." This suggests a focus on long-term communication planning, audience engagement strategies, and potentially the development of new communication channels or platforms.
Exploring the Backcountry: A Personal Connection
The manager’s connection to NWAC extends beyond their professional duties, encompassing a personal appreciation for the very environments they help to safeguard. While still in the process of fully exploring the vast operational zones covered by NWAC, they have gained valuable firsthand experience. "I’ve still barely dipped my toes into all of our zones, but I’ve gotten to sample a variety of them over the past two years, from WA Pass to Crystal backcountry to Hood and more."
A particular fondness exists for the North Cascades, stemming from a previous residency in the Methow Valley. "When I first moved to WA, I lived in the Methow, so the North Cascades have my heart." However, their recent relocation to Roslyn has fostered a growing appreciation for the East Central zone. This has included participating in a hut-based AIARE 2 (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education Level 2) course at the Fortune Peak huts in the Teanaway this past winter, further deepening their understanding and connection to the snowpack and terrain. This personal engagement with backcountry environments provides an invaluable perspective for their role in communicating safety and fostering community.
A Fundamental Message for Backcountry Users
When asked about a key message for all backcountry users, the manager offered a powerful and inclusive perspective. They emphasize individual agency and the diverse ways in which people can engage with the winter landscape. "I want every backcountry user to know that you get to decide how you interact with the backcountry," they declared. This sentiment is intended to empower individuals, regardless of their skill level or chosen activity. "Whether you’re out for a leisurely stroll, tearin’ it up on a sled, or chasing big lines, you get to choose your style and flavor of getting out there." This inclusive approach acknowledges the spectrum of backcountry pursuits while subtly reinforcing the underlying importance of safety and responsible decision-making that NWAC advocates. It’s a message of personal choice within a framework of shared responsibility for safety.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Enhanced Capacity
The future of NWAC and the broader field of avalanche safety is a source of considerable optimism for the Development and Communications Manager, particularly regarding the non-profit team’s recent evolution. "I am most excited about the recent evolution of the non-profit team," they stated. The imminent addition of a new team member is poised to significantly bolster the non-profit’s capacity to support forecasters and enhance community engagement. "We’re stoked to bring on an additional team member who will support the non-profit’s work and increase our capacity to support our forecasters and engage with our community."
This expansion is seen as a critical step towards achieving greater organizational impact. "I’m excited to see what we can accomplish with a larger team, more experienced staff (Devon, Liz, and I have worked together for 2 seasons now!), and a continually evolving dynamic." The synergy developed among existing team members, combined with the fresh perspectives and energy of a new recruit, is expected to foster innovation and strengthen NWAC’s ability to serve its mission effectively. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about building a more robust, dynamic, and capable organization prepared to meet the increasing demands of avalanche safety education and forecasting.
A Memorable Day in the Field: The Reality of Forecasting
A particularly memorable day on snow from the past season provided a vivid illustration of the realities faced by avalanche forecasters. The manager recounted joining forecaster Payton on a field day in Icicle Creek, which evolved into a more arduous expedition than initially anticipated. "I joined forecaster Payton on a field day this season in Icicle Creek, and it turned into a bit more of an adventure than we anticipated." The day was characterized by extensive hiking with skis on their backs, navigating through challenging terrain marked by dirt, wind-scoured surfaces, and dense tree cover.
The experience culminated in a humorous yet poignant moment captured on video. "We spent most of the day hiking with skis on our backs, encountered a whole lot of dirt, wind-scoured surfaces, and dense trees. I have a really funny video of Payton climbing over (and under?) some downed trees saying, ‘This is what we get paid for!’" This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and physical exertion required from avalanche forecasters. It highlights the often-unseen efforts behind the crucial safety information provided to the public, underscoring the value of their work and the commitment required to accurately assess avalanche risk in challenging conditions. The manager’s sharing of this experience emphasizes the human element of NWAC’s operations and the hard work that underpins their vital forecasts.
The insights shared by NWAC’s Development and Communications Manager offer a compelling glimpse into the organization’s operational dynamics, strategic vision, and the passionate individuals who drive its mission. As NWAC continues to evolve, its commitment to clear communication, community engagement, and robust support for its forecasting team remains paramount in its ongoing effort to enhance safety in the winter backcountry.
