Bring on 2020-21

Our forecasting team is ramping up right now to begin a new season that looks to be anything but normal as our lives continue to be dominated by Covid-19. The outreach and communications team has been busy all fall creating and delivering new online products. And we're all making the adjustments necessary for the uncertainty created by the pandemic. We're expecting a very busy backcountry season with some new challenges and we've put a lot of work into getting as ready as we can. 

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Forecasts Start November 25

Our first avalanche forecasts of the season are going out on Wednesday, Nov. 25. We ended our forecasting program early last season, due to the pandemic, so we're looking forward to getting back to work. We are expecting an increase in backcountry users this winter and we know how important our forecasts are to help them make smart choices and come home safely.

There will be challenges. The pandemic is affecting backcountry operators and many of them are not operating, which will have a big impact on the datastream we need to produce our forecasts. This winter, our forecasters' field time will be targeted towards areas where data is needed most. And, of course, we will be relying even more on our Mountain Information Network. 

We are excited about issuing bilingual forecasts this season, thanks to our new forecasting program, AvID. We're also developing a program to send abbreviated versions of our forecast via satellite messenger system (SMS), which will be great for backcountry users outside cell range. The AvCan app is still a much better resource for smartphone users but for anyone who spends an extended time out of range, SMS is the only option. We'll be launching this new program soon for the North Rockies and the Yukon.

New Ambassador: Sarah Hueniken

We are proud to announce Sarah Hueniken, one of the world's leading ice climbers, has joined our team of avalanche ambassadors. Sarah is an ACMG alpine guide and has been guiding in the Canadian Rockies for 16 years. With the loss of her dearest friend to an avalanche while ice climbing, Sarah understands the risks of the mountains. Her new focus is to help build awareness of both the inherent risks of avalanches for ice climbers and the healing process after trauma through founding the Mountain Muskox Peer Mentorship Program. Engaging the ice climbing community is a high priority for us and we are thrilled to have an athlete of Sarah's calibre helping us do this.

2019-20 Annual Report

Foundation Hosting Online Auction

The Avalanche Canada Foundation is hosting an online auction from November 22–29. Some of the great prizes up for auction are a heli-hiking trip with CMH, a backcountry stay with Purcell Mountain Lodge, and gear from from Arc'teryx, BCA, Scott, and The North Face. Stay tuned for details.

We are very thankful to the many people who have made donations following our asks in the last Aspect and after our webinars. These donations total almost $15,000. As we shift away from big event fundraisers, these donations become even more important.

Upgrades to the MIN

We are working on some tweaks to the Mountain Information Network (MIN) to make it even more user friendly. This winter, users will be able to edit their submitted posts and delete them as well, if necessary. We’re also adding a section for ice climbers that will allow them to share information on ice quality and the unique conditions that affect avalanche safety for that particular sport.

Canuck Splitfest

Canuck Splitfest is going online this year, from Jan. 8–10, 2021. The event will feature three nights of presentations, with each highlighting a different theme related to backcountry touring. We will be hosting an online auction and virtual contests with many great prizes; and a virtual trade show showcasing gear from Splitfest’s many supporters. In-person camps and clinics will be offered by Revelstoke guides, with Covid precautions in place.

Tourism Revelstoke Initiative

Columbia Basin Trust Grant