YAA to continue forecasting in winter 2014

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Date: May 2, 2013

Yukon Avalanche Association to continue avalanche forecasting in Winter 2014

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Avalanche Association (YAA)

The Yukon Avalanche Association is very pleased to announce that it has received funding to continue its Yukon Avalanche Forecasting Program in 2014. “Over the past two years the YAA has worked hard to establish an avalanche forecasting program for the high use areas in the White Pass through Wheaton Valley region. The YAA believes the forecasting program is an important public safety service and that it promotes avalanche awareness amongst all backcountry users. This new funding will enable the YAA to operate the forecasting program next winter. We also continue to seek long-term sustainable funding to ensure the avalanche forecasting program operates in the years ahead”, says YAA President Jim Bishop.

“The backcountry community and local partners and businesses have been very supportive, and the YAA has received very positive feedback on the forecast project from skiers and sledders from Yukon, BC, Alaska and beyond,” says the Project Manager Jeni Rudisill.

The YAA established the forecasting program as a pilot project with funds from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat New Initiative Fund, and has worked closely with the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) to produce a regional avalanche conditions report twice weekly throughout the winter. “We are very pleased with the way this project is going and looking forward to working with the YAA again next winter to provide avalanche safety products for backcountry users in the Klondike region. We sincerely hope sustainable funding can be found so this program can continue”, says CAC Acting Executive Director Karl Klassen.

The Yukon Avalanche Association is a non-profit organization promoting avalanche safety and awareness and development of risk management tools for all backcountry users.   The YAA Annual General Meeting will be held on May 14, 2013 at 5:30 at the Mt. Mac wax room. All interested community members are welcome. Connect with the YAA on Facebook, Twitter or through their website, www.yukonavalanche.ca.

Come out to the Backcountry Bash and Ball in White Pass and Skagway March 15-17, 2013.  This is a celebration of winter backcountry travel.  There is an amateur Film Festival in Skagway on Friday night.  Live Music both evenings.  On Saturday the Yukon Avalanche Association will be hosting a Transceiver Clinic at the Log Cabin Parking Lot.  Demonstrations and discussion of avalanche conditions led by YAA/CAC Avalanche Technicians.  Drop by between 11-3 Alaska time!  Hot drinks and hot dogs on the barbeque!  Hope to see you there!

Backcountry Bash and Ball 2013 poster

Easter long weekend is just around the corner and we know you are ready to hit the mountains. We want to know how you plan to stay safe in the backcountry. Share your tips and send us pictures and enter to win $650.00 in Avalanche Safety Gear. To enter find us on Facebook and Twitter or enter the contest here.

Remember to check the conditions and plan your trip before you head out. Our Avalanche Techs will be in the Haines Pass over the long weekend to promote awareness, provide demonstrations and answer questions. Make sure to find them and say hi. Better yet, send us a picture of you with the techs and tell us what you learned from them. 

Avalanche Awareness Days coming to Whitehorse!

The Yukon Avalanche Association is working with the Canadian Avalanche Centre and the Canadian Ski Patrol System Yukon Zone to offer a weekend of events in Whitehorse January 18 - 20th. Events are open to the public and there's something for everyone!

 Friday January 18th: TGR's latest ski film 'The Dream Factory' plus a special presentation by CAC Forecaster James Floyer at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and door prizes to give away!
Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30; Tickets are $15 available at Coast Mountain Sports and at the door

Saturday January 19th: FREE events for the public including displays and public presentations on backcountry avalanche safety, companion rescue clinic hosted by the Canadian Ski Patrol System Yukon Zone, and presentations on avalanche forecasting by the Canadian Avalanche Centre and Yukon Avalanche Association.
12:00 - 4:00 pm at the Canada Games Centre

Sunday January 20th: Field clinic in White Pass including an Avalanche Safety Refresher Clinic led by CAC Forecaster James Floyer and Yukon Field Technician Eirik Sharp. Looking to brush up your skills? This day is geared to public who have some backcountry experience and have taken an AST course. 
FREE - space is limited - email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for details