The Avalanche Journal Blog
Find articles from past issues of The Avalanche Journal, and news from the Canadian avalanche industry and beyond.
Automated ATES Mapping
When Snowpack is the Question, Terrain is the Answer By John Sykes This article initially appeared in The Avalanche Journal, Volume 138, Summer 2025 AVALANCHE EDUCATION OFTEN presents terrain as a static factor that is used to manage safety margins during periods of unstable weather and snowpack conditions. While true, this characterization of terrain does not mean assessing avalanche terrain
Comparing Extended Column Test Results to Signs of Instability in the Surrounding Slopes
An analysis of extended column test results compared to snow stability observations.
Interview: Steve Scott on Managing a Snowmobile Guiding Operation
An interview with Steve Scott, the operations manager and lead forecaster for Great Canadian Tours. Steve is also a manager with Revelstoke Search & Rescue, and President and Examiner of the Canadian Motorized Backcountry Guides Association.
Inside the Snowpack Model Dashboard
A look at the snowpack.avalanche.ca dashboard. What it does, how it works, how you can use it, and plans for the future.
ISSW 2026 Whistler Registration Open
WE ARE JUST OVER SIX MONTHS away from welcoming you to Whistler for ISSW 2026, from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. Early-bird registration is open, so head on over to book your spot. TECHNICAL PROGRAM UPDATE The technical program is taking shape and the latest preliminary program is available on our website. As always, the central goal of ISSW is
Swiss Experiment Shows Cracks Propagate Faster Than Expected
New research from the SLF in Davos, Switzerland, shows that cracks in weak layers can propagate at over 100 m/s, which is much faster than previously thought possible.
CMAH 2.0: Adding Hazard Ratings to the Conceptual Model
By Scott Thumlert This article was originally published in The Avalanche Journal, Vol. 137, Winter 2025 INTRODUCTIONAssessing, rating, and forecasting the physical hazard posed by snow avalanches is fundamental to daily work for avalanche professionals. Avalanche risk mitigation strategies (e.g. explosive control, communicating danger level and terrain advice to public, closing terrain at a resort, selecting terrain when guiding) are
Arai Magic: Establishing an Avalanche Program in Japow
Dynamic Avalanche Consulting was tasked to set up an avalanche control program for one of the snowiest ski resorts on earth – Lotte Arai in Japan.