What does AAIC mean in ALASKA

The Alaska Avalanche Information Center (AAIC) is a part of the Department of Natural Resources and works to provide public avalanche awareness and education for all who use Alaska's backcountry.

AAIC provides multiple educational programs to help inform those who use backcountry in Alaska, as well as forecast expertise and real-time updates on avalanche conditions. AAIC also tracks the weather, snowpack and terrain conditions across the state to help educate users on how to stay safe when out in the backcountry.

Current avalanche advisories can be found on AAIC's website or by signing up for email notifications. Advisories are updated daily with new information about snowpack and stability.

Snow stability tests can be done through a trained professional from AAIC or one of its partners. Tests will include digging into the snow with an avalanche probe and analyzing any weak layers present in the area.

AAIC works closely with trained professionals across the state that regularly report on what they find while out in the field. This information is compiled into advisories which are then posted on their website daily, providing users with accurate information about avalanche conditions throughout Alaska.

Before going out into any potential hazard zones, it's important to make sure you're prepared for your trip by wearing appropriate gear including helmets, transceiver, shovels and probes—and always travel in numbers! Additionally, familiarize yourself with basic Search & Rescue techniques so you can take action if necessary.

AAIC offers a variety of courses that range from intro level courses such as their companion rescue course all the way up to advanced courses like their 4 day backcountry seminar series which focuses on topics such as weather forecasting, route finding and wilderness navigation. They also offer guided tours throughout select areas during peak season times.