The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC), is a vital part of snow and avalanche safety here in the Northwest for snowboarders, skiers, snowmobilers, drivers and all mountain and backcountry travelers. Their mission statement reads:

" The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC) promotes safety by helping reduce the impacts of avalanches and adverse mountain weather on recreation, industry and transportation in Washington, and northern Oregon through data collection, mountain weather and avalanche forecasting and education."

The Avalanche Center is cooperatively funded by a variety of federal, state and private agencies. The weather forecasting provided by the NWAC is used daily by Mt. Baker Ski Area Management and by our backcountry users. However, the Washington State Parks & Recreation has hired a consultant to determine the public's need for the NWAC. Their funding is in jeopardy, and they may have to cease operations at the end of the season. Your input is needed in helping insure that this service continues here and throughout the Cascades. If you would like to give your input as to why this service is so important to those of us who use the mountains, contact the consultant, Knox Williams, at knox@chaffeeco.net

NWAC staffers Garth Ferber and Kenny Kramer (Avalanche Meteorologists) and Director Mark Moore provide a stellar, vital service with impressive goodwill and dedication. We hope to continue to work with them for years to come!

NWAC website: www.nwac.us