Episode Overview

In this first part of a two-episode series, The Avalanche Hour Podcast features an in-depth conversation with avalanche industry legends Chris Stethem and Grant Statham. These two have dedicated their lives to advancing avalanche safety, education, and research, and their collective impact has shaped how we think about risk management in snow-covered terrain.

The episode begins with the Granduc Mine Avalanche incident in Canada, a pivotal event that underscored the critical need for better risk assessment and communication systems. From there, Chris and Grant explore the origins of avalanche safety practices during the early “cowboy” days, where trial and error led to life-saving lessons.

Listeners will also hear about:

• Defining avalanche scales and aspects to improve communication and ensure messages reach diverse audiences effectively.

• The snowpack evolution of the 1976-77 winter, where facets became prominent, and the impacts of climate change began to show.

• A terrifying near-miss at a FIS ski race, where an avalanche ran into coaches, illustrating the gaps in early avalanche response planning.

• The development and introduction of avalanche beacons, from professional use to their eventual adoption by recreational users.

• Spatial planning for avalanche paths, with lessons drawn from Utah’s structural defenses and how they informed better land-use decisions.

Chris and Grant also reflect on how communication methods have evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of tailoring messages to the audience—whether professionals or recreational backcountry travelers—to ensure safety in avalanche terrain.

This episode sets the stage for an enlightening second part, where they’ll dive deeper into modern advancements, risk management techniques, and more.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Wyssen Avalanche Control

• OpenSnow

• Gordini

• Raide Research

Crew

• Host: Dom Baker

• Guests: Chris Stethem & Grant Statham

• Producer: Cameron Griffin

Sponsors

• Wyssen Avalanche Control

• OpenSnow

• Gordini

• Raide Research

Music by Gravy

• Song: Lost My Voice

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, host Jason Antin dives into a captivating conversation with Liz King, a renowned leader in avalanche education and mountain safety. Liz shares her unique journey from her unexpected beginnings in Houston, Texas, to becoming a key figure in the avalanche education world. As the Avalanche Program Director for both the American Avalanche Institute (AAI) and the Colorado Mountain School (CMS), Liz oversees comprehensive avalanche programming, from recreational courses to professional certifications.

Liz’s story begins with a love for the mountains that led her to the University of Montana, where she first discovered her passion for the outdoors. Her career started with horse packing at NOLS, transitioned to ski patrolling, and grew into a prominent role as an avalanche educator and guide. Liz reflects on her path, discussing the evolving landscape of avalanche education, the challenges of managing large-scale programs, and the importance of mentorship in outdoor leadership.

This episode offers deep insights into Liz’s professional evolution, her perspective on student engagement, and the advancements in avalanche safety technology. Jason and Liz discuss the shifting demographics of avalanche education students, the balance between recreational and professional training, and Liz’s personal goals as she navigates her leadership roles.

The conversation also highlights Liz’s reflections on mentorship, her passion for empowering the backcountry community, and her dedication to maintaining personal connections in the mountains. With humor and authenticity, Liz shares her “personal disaster flags” (PDFs), her thoughts on the role of mentorship in her career, and her excitement for skiing in new mountain ranges every year.

Whether you’re a seasoned avalanche educator or new to the backcountry world, this episode is packed with valuable insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the mind of a true mountain professional.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• American Avalanche Institute (AAI): www.avalancheinstitute.com

• Colorado Mountain School (CMS): www.coloradomountainschool.com

• American Avalanche Association (A3): www.avalanche.org

• Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center: www.jhavalanche.org

Crew

• Host: Jason Antin

• Guest: Liz King

• Producer: Caleb Merrill and Cameron Griffin

Sponsors

• Wyssen: www.wyssen.com

• OpenSnow: www.opensnow.com

• Gordini: www.gordini.com

• Beacon Guidebooks: www.beaconguidebooks.com

 Music by Age Diamante:

• Chill Pah

In this compelling episode, Brooke sits down with Josh Hirshberg, a veteran avalanche forecaster and educator with nearly two decades of experience in the snow safety world. Currently forecasting for the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), Josh dives into his journey through the avalanche industry, from early internships in Aspen to forecasting in Washington’s Cascades.

Josh shares captivating insights about the notable February 2021 avalanche cycle in Washington, the challenges of persistent weak layers, and the importance of mentorship and collaboration. He also reflects on personal growth, balancing creative pursuits like photography and art, and how grief has shaped his perspective on the mountains and life.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC): www.nwac.us

Crew

• Host: Brooke Maushund

• Guest: Josh Hirshberg

• Producer: Cameron Griffin (@backcountrycam)

Sponsors

• Wyssen: www.wyssen.com

• Arva: www.arva-equipment.com

• OpenSnow: www.opensnow.com

• Gordini: www.gordini.com

• Safeback: www.safeback.com

• Beacon Guidebooks: www.beaconguidebooks.com

🎶 Music by Ketsa:

• Yellowish

• Snowing in Spring

• Anons

In this episode of the Avalanche Hour Podcast, host Dr. Sara Boilen interviews Larry Goldie.  Larry is an IFMGA licensed mountain guide and co-owner/lead guide for North Cascades Mountain Guides.  He has been the snow safety director and heli ski guide for North Cascades Heli since 2005.  Larry works on the AMGA instructor team, and teaches pro and recreational avalanche courses.  Sara and Larry discuss the challenges women face in the guiding and avalanche education fields, the importance of effective communication in guiding, and share personal experiences and lessons delivered in the arena.   Larry emphasizes the need for clear, concise communication and the value of maintaining options in decision-making while navigating the complexities of the backcountry. In this conversation, Larry shares a harrowing personal experience of surviving an avalanche, emphasizing the critical importance of clear communication and the dangers of mitigated speech in high-risk situations. He discusses the psychological factors that lead to downplaying risks and the need for honest assessments of danger in backcountry skiing. The conversation also highlights the value of debriefing to learn from experiences and improve decision-making in uncertain environments.

⁠⁠⁠Fill out our Listener Survey for the chance to win a gift card from Gordini and a pack from Arva!

Support for this episode was provided by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wyssen Avalanche Control⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gordini⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OpenSnow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: use code avalanche50 for 50% off of your all-access subscription

IPA Collective

This episode features an interview with Karin Pocock. Karin Pocock shares her journey in the avalanche industry, discussing her experiences in both Canada and the U.S. She reflects on a pivotal avalanche incident that shaped her career and emphasizes the importance of education and training in avalanche safety. Karin also highlights the unique culture at the Silverton Avalanche School and addresses the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated field, advocating for inclusivity and support for future generations. In this conversation, Karin Pocock discusses the importance of hiring based on skill rather than gender, the challenges of navigating confidence and competence in high-risk avalanche work, and the significance of managing stress in demanding environments. She shares her experiences discovering the value of pushing personal limits through bike pack racing, and the necessity of fostering healthy conflict within teams. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of education in avalanche science and the need for a supportive and empowering workplace culture.

⁠⁠Fill out our Listener Survey for the chance to win a gift card from Gordini and a pack from Arva!⁠

Music: ⁠Ketsa⁠

Art: ⁠Mike Tea⁠

Support for this episode was provided by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Wyssen Avalanche Control⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Gordini⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠OpenSnow⁠⁠⁠⁠: use code avalanche50 for 50% off of your all-access subscription

Arva Equipment: use code AVALANCHEHOUR25 for a discount on your next purchase or canister refill

In this episode of the Avalanche Hour podcast, Caleb speaks with meteorologist Joel Gratz- founder of Open Snow, about the importance of weather forecasting for skiing and how it pertains to avalanche conditions. They unpack how much to weigh El Nino and La Nina on winter weather predictions, and Joel walks us through what goes into a forecast from OpenSnow. Joel shares insights into the features of Open Snow and discusses the intricacies of weather forecasting, particularly in relation to snow prediction. He explains the importance of the five-day window for making accurate forecasts and delves into the development and functionality of various weather models. Gratz highlights the significance of resolution in forecasting accuracy and introduces the role of AI in enhancing predictions. He also emphasizes the value of using multiple models for better accuracy and provides resources for those interested in learning more about weather and forecasting.

Resources:

Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth: Weather, Climate Change, and Finding Deep Powder in Utah's Wasatch Mountains and around the World By Jim Steenburgh

⁠Fill out our Listener Survey for the chance to win a gift card from Gordini and a pack from Arva!

Music: Ketsa

Art: Mike Tea

Support for this episode was provided by:

⁠⁠⁠Wyssen Avalanche Control⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Gordini⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠OpenSnow⁠⁠⁠: use code avalanche50 for 50% off of your all-access subscription

Ken Wylie is a Human Hazard Management innovator, formerly an IFMGA guide, and author of the book Buried.  Ken’s company, Archetypal, provides high-resolution self-awareness tools for people who work in High Potential Consequence (HPC) environments across several industries.  In this conversation, Guest host Brooke Shiny Edwards takes a deeper dive into the heart of Ken Wylie and the vision he has for (HPC) Avalanche Workers and the adventure industry.  We recommend reminding yourself of Ken’s background by re-visiting last year’s episode 8.1 when Caleb has Ken take the audience through the infamous 2003 tragedy of La Traviata.  In this episode, Shiny and Wylie explore more of the insights to be harvested from that tragedy: the archetypes of disaster and safety,  avenues of self-growth that can inform our decision making and how to embrace our shadow and light within, which may indeed be the greatest opportunity yet to embody our highest selves and manage the human factor castle. 

So grab a cup of tea, a blanket and snuggle up by the fire for a deep and open hearted philosophical journey that hopefully guides you to integral moments of self-reflection that might help you stay safe this season.

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Music: Ketsa

Art: Mike Tea

Resources:

The Evolving Self: A Psychology for the Third Millennium. Milhaly Csikszentmihalyi

Robert Kegan Stages in Adult Development: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhRNMj6UNYY

The Evolving Self: Robert Kegan.

Human Journey Card Decks

Archetypal Open Enrollment Courses

Archetypal Workplace Courses

Support for this episode was provided by:

⁠⁠Wyssen Avalanche Control⁠⁠

⁠⁠Gordini⁠⁠

⁠⁠OpenSnow⁠⁠: use code avalanche50 for 50% off of your all-access subscription

⁠Beacon Guidebooks: use code AVSAR to save 25% off the popular Avalanche Search and Rescue: A Backcountry Field Guide

In this episode of the Avalanche Hour, host Jake Hutchinson sits down with Gabrielle Antonioli, a forecaster for the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center and founder of the A3’s Resilience Project. They discuss Gabrielle's journey into avalanche forecasting, the importance of mental health support in the avalanche community, and the need for inclusive avalanche education for motorized users. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges of forecasting on the Going to the Sun Road, highlighting the complexities of forecasting for wet snow natural avalanches.  In this conversation, Gabrielle and Hutch discuss the importance of mentorship and community, and emphasize the need for a supportive environment for future generations.

The Fundamental Process in Conventional Avalanche Forecasting by Ed LaChapelle

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Music: Ketsa 

Art: Mike Tea

Please Fill out our Listener Survey!

Support for this episode was provided by:

⁠Wyssen Avalanche Control⁠

⁠Gordini⁠

⁠OpenSnow⁠: use code avalanche50 for 50% off of your all-access subscription

Raide Research: use code avhour for 10% your next pack or bibs!

In this episode guest host Jason Antin sits down with Vince Anderson.  Vince shares his journey from growing up in Golden, Colorado, to becoming a prominent figure in the alpine climbing and guiding communities. He discusses his early experiences with climbing and skiing, the early days of the AMGA, and the evolution of avalanche education. In this conversation, he discusses the evolution of educational practices in guiding, reflecting on his own experiences and the changes he has witnessed over the years. He shares key turning points in his career, including influential mentors and pivotal moments that shaped his development as a guide. The discussion also delves into the challenges of balancing parenthood with a career in guiding, highlighting the complexities of risk management and decision-making in the mountains. 

Skyward Mountaineering

Music: Age Diamante

Art: Mike Tea

Fill out our Listener Survey!

Support for this episode was provided by:

⁠Wyssen Avalanche Control⁠

⁠Gordini⁠

⁠OpenSnow⁠: use code avalanche50 for 50% off of your all-access subscription

⁠Propagation Labs⁠

We start this episode with Jayne Thompson-Nolan stopping by to give us an update from the American Avalanche Association (A3). She highlights some of the initiatives and achievements from the last year, provides some member updates, and talks about opportunities for grants, scholarships, and continuing education.

We then launch into an interview with IFMGA guide Evan Stevens. Evan is the owner of Zenith Mountain Guides in Squamish, BC. Originally from New York, Evan has always felt a strong pull to climbing and skiing and landed a job with the Utah Avalanche Center after completing college in Vermont. Evan reflects on some pivotal learning moments from some influential mentors during his time at the UAC. We chat about some of the similarities and differences in the structure of guide education and progression in the United States and Canada. Evan talks about the importance of understanding the resolution of the avalanche forecast that you may be utilizing to plan your day. He describes why he and one of his partners started a newsletter: The Weekly South Coast Ski Conditions Report and how it can help local riders add value to the AvCan forecast.

We hope you enjoy!

Fill out our Listener survey here. Thank you!

This episode was made possible through the support of:

Wyssen Avalanche Control

Gordini

OpenSnow: Use code Avalanche50 to receive 50% off your premium All Access subscription!

Safeback

Music: Age Diamante

Zenith Mountain Guides

In this episode of The Avalanche Hour, host Sean welcomes special guest Jess Shade. A high-altitude ski mountaineer, queer woman, and licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah and Michigan. Jess brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to discuss the intricate relationship between mental health and mountain environments.

Together, they delve into the mindsets of those who inhabit the mountains, exploring therapy-based ideas that help individuals process daily events, inclusion, and trauma. Jess shares insights on the changing culture regarding mental health in the snow world, highlighting tools like the Responder Alliance’s Stress Continuum and principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to promote resilience and psychological flexibility.

They also discuss Jess’s work with organizations like the American Alpine Club’s Climbing Grief Fund and the Utah Avalanche Center, as well as her involvement with Utah’s LGBTQ+ community through the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah.

Socials:

• The Avalanche hour Podcast
• Jess Shade

Links: 

• Listener Survey

• LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah - An organization of therapists who meet monthly for continuing education. The website has a list of licensed clinicians in Utah who are affirming and trained in working with queer people. 

• Mountain Queers - An organization supporting representation and equity for queer and trans folx in mountain sport.

• Responder Alliance - works to build awareness of stress injury and increase resilience for folks who work in austere environments. Please note they are largely focused on prevention, however many of the resources and tools are very applicable and provide a good foundation for having conversations around stress and trauma.

• Climbing Grief Fund, American Alpine Club - CGF hosts a therapist directory and offers individual grants of up to $600 to individuals who have experienced grief or trauma related to climbing, alpinism, or ski mountaineering. You do not have to be a member of the American Alpine Club to apply for a CGF grant.

• American Avalanche Association - The A3 Avalanche Resilience Project also hosts a therapist directory with folks who have familiarity with the industry. A3 also offers a "resilience grant" of up to $500 to Professional and Affiliate members who are interested in pursuing therapy.

• Survivors of Outdoor Adventures and Recovery (SOAR) - SOAR offers professionally-facilitated peer support groups for folks who have experienced loss or trauma in the outdoors. I just attended one of their community connection workshops on grief and trauma and found it very helpful. Get in touch with this wonderful organization!

• Mountain Muskox - For our northern friends, Mountain Muskox is a fantastic organization that offers professionally-facilitated in person peer support circles in BC and Alberta. They also offer a weekend gathering each fall.

Sponsors for this episode:

• Wyssen Avalanche Control

• Gordini - Use code snowpro40 to receive 40% off Gordini gear through October. (Code:SnowPro40)

• Beacon Guide Books: Use the code AVSAR to get 25% off the Avalanche Search + Rescue: A Backcountry Field Guide

• OpenSnow: Use code avalanche50 to receive 50% off their premium subscription.

Crew:

• Creator - Caleb Merrill

• Host - Sean Zimmerman-Wall

• Producer - Cameron Griffin

Donate:

• The Avalanche Hour Podcast

• The American Avalanche Association 

Music:

• Age Diamante - Chill Pah