Avalanche Canada 2017 Annual Report

2016-17 Annual Report

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02 Message from the President 03 Message from the Executive Director 04 Communications Delivering the Message Financial Strategies Social Media Collaborations Unaware Strategy

10 Our Community Conferences Avalanche QuĂŠbec ATES Sign Project Project Partnerships Service Award Fundraising

18 Public Avalanche Warning Service New Software Changes to the Map Mountain Weather Forecast Hot Zone Reports Yukon Field Team Research

26 Education and Outreach Avalanche Canada Training Programs Youth Programs Online Learning Outreach Avalanche Ambassadors Snowmobile Outreach

36 Avalanche Fatalities 38 Financial Summary 40 Funding Partners 44 Our People 45 Avalanche Canada Foundation Message from the President Fundraising Grants and Awards Financial Summary Supporters and Sponsors

Backcountry adventures in the Yukon. Image: Benjamin Horowitz

Vision To eliminate avalanche fatalities and injuries in Canada.

Mission To minimize public risk in avalanche terrain by providing leadership, development, communication, coordination and delivery of public avalanche safety education, warnings, products and services.

Values • We are committed to awareness, training and safety for the general public and for all who travel in avalanche terrain.

• We are an inclusive and diverse organization that provides services to all winter recreation activity participants.

• We strive to ensure that all programs, services and materials are based on accurate research and evidence.

• We engage in strategic relationships and alliances to further the reach of our programs and messages.

• We investigate to understand all factors that contribute to human incidents in avalanche terrain and support that investigation by encouraging research.

• We inspire people to safely enjoy recreation and travel in the winter backcountry environment.

• We value our staff and community’s collective strength, energy and leadership.

• We create a fun, healthy, professional and sustainable workplace, and provide our staff with opportunities to grow and thrive.

Cover Image: Ski touring in BC's Valhalla Range. Image: Wren McElroy

• We anticipate and respond to challenges and changes with creativity, collaboration, courage and bold enthusiasm.

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A Message from the President At AvCan, we pride ourselves on our ability to make every dollar count that we receive through your kind donations, grants, sponsorships and goodwill.

And in spite of chronic financial challenges since our inception, we have consistently delivered the highest level of service that we could, knowing there is always room for improvement.

For years we have been able to punch above our financial weight by learning to be as lean, efficient and effective as possible, and making smart decisions at all levels in the organization.

This is a formula that has worked for us in the past and will continue to do so, I hope, long into the future. But the simple truth is that we are now at a tipping point. With the explosion in popularity of winter sports we are seeing exponentially more sledders, skiers, boarders, snowshoers and even fatbikers going out to increasingly more remote areas.

As we try to meet these new and growing demands we are stretching our finite resources ever thinner.

We are being asked to do more in an increasing number of regions, with greater levels of expectations, with absolutely no increase to our funding. In fact, we see a downward trend in our revenues and will soon face some very hard decisions around preservation of our core services.

Frankly, the current model is not working and we urgently need to find a better way forward.

We are at a tipping point but we are not yet at a breaking point. One of the hallmarks of being a great organization is not being afraid to take calculated and well-managed risks, to be prepared to face the truth and reinvent yourself. Although we are called Avalanche Canada and have a national mandate for public avalanche safety, we are not yet a truly national organization. Simply put, there are areas where the safety needs of all Canadians are not being met, such as northern British Columbia, parts of QuĂŠbec, Newfoundland & Labrador, Yukon and Vancouver island, to name a few.

Armed with that realization and a renewed strength of purpose, we have embarked on a national strategy with the goal of developing a 5- to 10year long-range business plan. This will serve as a blueprint and framework for achieving multiyear sustainability based on a shared federal and provincial funding model. In fairness, we already receive more than 60% of our annual funding from government sources, but much of this money is unsecured from year to year and not part of any long-term or signed funding agreement.

Under the national strategy, we have laid out a clear road map of what Avalanche Canada’s budget would look like if we were fully funded at our current level of programming, and what it would look like if we became a truly national organization and expanded to underserviced areas.

In return, Canadians and our visitors would have consistent access to avalanche safety information, messaging, educational programs and outreach across the nation. The corresponding multiplier value of this investment on the outdoor winter industry is hard to estimate but it's surely many times the cost.

People can only have great winter adventures if they are return winter adventures.

How will we move forward? With the help of our champion agencies we have already started the process of knocking on doors and making phone calls in Ottawa, Victoria, Edmonton and QuĂŠbec City.

More conversations will surely follow. We have also taken steps to apply for charitable status in parallel to the Avalanche Canada Foundation. This will give us greater flexibility and bench strength to tackle our financial challenges. The journey towards becoming a truly national organization will not be easy but it will be worthwhile; I have no doubt we will find success.

Kevin Seel, President

A Message from the Executive Director The season of 2016 - 2017 was one of successes and challenges. We ended the year with 12 fatalities, a 30% reduction from the previous year. On the positive side there was only one snowmobiling fatality—the lowest number in recent memory. We hope this is evidence the efforts of the past few years are starting to pay off but we cannot let our guard down. We also saw a high number of close calls from big incidents that could have easily resulted in multiple fatalities.

Regrettably, last winter saw seven fatalities involving snowshoers; five perished in one single tragic event just north of Vancouver. Snowshoers have been on our radar for a few years and they are a growing concern. This is a challenging user group to communicate with. Many snowshoers are outside the reach of our traditional tools and users are very diverse culturally and demographically. You can read more about our work on this issue on page 9.

On a more positive note, we broke records for the number of students taking AST courses. I am always astounded by the AST numbers that continue to increase year after year. It is a testament to the amazing work done by the more than 180 licensed AST providers.

We continue to make improvements to our website, our mobile app and our many online tools and services. Having two full IT staff members has enabled us to develop and release new products faster than what had been possible before.

For example, the early winter snowpack made it challenging for our forecast to accurately present issues that were limited to certain subset of our regions. Within a week of discussing this in a meeting we had a new Special Information icon on the map. You can read more on this on page 18.

As usual our biggest challenge remains our financial situation. We do not have sufficient funding to meet the needs of this growing sector let alone address known gaps and deficiencies. I spend a significant amount of my time trying to keep the funding we currently have and securing additional funding which has been very challenging. Consequently we continue to be fiscally responsible and focus on the long term.

Finally, none of what we do would be possible without the hard work and passion of our dedicated staff; they deserve all the credit and my sincere appreciation.

Please be safe this winter.

Image: Mark Bender

Gilles Valade, Executive Director 3

Communications

Delivering the Message At Avalanche Canada, our communications strategies are always evolving but our purpose remains the same— to promote avalanche safety and share information that can save lives. We are continually seeking methods and tools to reach new users and improve the effectiveness of knowledge transfer with our established audiences.

Our primary focus is to drive users to our website, the heart of our public safety programs and services. This year we were pleased to introduce a more polished look on our site, with much improved functionality.

Keeping this site and our app working well for our users is a massive undertaking; check on page 6 for a look at how much this site gets used.

We also play an important role as a central point-ofcontact for agencies, organizations and individuals seeking to collaborate or just needing clarification on avalanches or snow science. Avalanche Canada is always a reliable source of information and we are happy to share our experience with the many people invested in public avalanche safety. As you’ll see in the pages of this report, this collaboration extends through all levels of government, across borders, and to the full spectrum of winter backcountry users.

Communications is at the heart of everything we do.

We aim to ensure our messages are well integrated with our partners and stakeholders for the most effective deliver of our public safety messages. We are fully invested in coordinating our communication and believe strongly that these efforts will help us reduce the number of lives lost to avalanches.

South Rockies Field Team present to a crowd in Fernie, BC. Image: Raven Eye Photography

Financial Strategies Our ability to keep pace with the explosion in the number of winter backcountry users is at a tipping point.

As a non-profit, non-government organization, Avalanche Canada relies on a range of funding sources both private and public. Unfortunately, we have been slowly losing our major corporate sponsors, while provincial and federal government funding has remained fairly flat over the past decade.

This winter we began the process to make Avalanche Canada a charitable organization, which would make it easier to receive funding and donations from other charitable organizations and foundations, such as the Avalanche Canada Foundation. We will also be able to issue tax receipts to those who donate directly to Avalanche Canada.

The application process is a lengthy one and we contracted a legal advisor to help guide us. Over the summer we submitted our final application to the Canada Revenue Agency. We expect a wait of at least six months before we get an answer.

While we have worked hard to find corporate support, even hiring a dedicated fundraiser for three years, it has become clear that generally speaking, the private sector considers public safety a government responsibility.

As a result, we have spent the past year developing a proposal for multi-year government funding that would see the federal government take the lead, in collaboration with the provinces.

The goal is to establish financial stability for public avalanche safety, which many consider an essential service.

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Communications

Social Media

2017: 6,595 followers

@avalanchecanada @avcansouthrockies @behind_thelines

Social media is an important communications tool at Avalanche Canada, used not only for broadcasting avalanche safety information and education. It’s also a means to introduce our products and services, share forecaster blogs, promote events, re-post content from our Avalanche Ambassadors, sell merchandise and connect/build relationships within our community.

increase of 4,417followers 2016: 2,178 followers

@avalancheca

2017: 6,763 followers increase of 500 followers 2016: 6,263 followers

With a large and consistently growing fan base across all our platforms, social media plays an important role in everything we do. This year, we’ve seen the highest number of organic (unpaid) likes and largest reach on our Facebook posts. For example, our “Early March Concerns” blog was seen by over 46,000 people, shared 207 times and produced 120 likes.

We’re also thrilled about the interest towards our Instagram account, which has received major growth in terms of followers and saw a spike in user engagement this winter.

2017: 19,529 likes

avalanchecanada AC.Behindthelines

increase of 3,179 likes

2016: 16,350 likes

AvalancheCanada

Avalanche Canada South Rockies Field Team

Avalanche.ca Website: • Unique visitors: 434,531 • Page views: 3,219,589 • Unique page views: 2,557,003 • Sessions: 1,025, 908

È Up 29% from last year (which was 792,581) App: • Number of times our app was downloaded: È Android: 2,911 È iOS: 5,743

• Number of app sessions: 138,696.

Social Media Initiatives MIN To Win Contest Throughout the season, with support from our sponsors, we ran Mountain Information Network (MIN) submission contests.

Winners were chosen based on a variety of criteria such as forecasters’ favourite, best photo, specific geographical location, plus random prize draws. All winning posts were shared on our social platforms and the submitter was sent a prize. This contest has proven to be a great success, not only in terms of involvement but also helping us directly connect with our users, encouraging use of the MIN, sharing MIN information widely on social media, and providing a great venue to promote our sponsors.

Thank you: Arc’teryx, G3 Genuine Guide Gear, FXR Racing, Backcountry Access, DAKINE and Marmot for providing our winners with awesome prizing throughout the season.

#ThankYouThursday In celebration of the many things we are thankful for, this winter we created a new social media initiative called #ThankYouThursday. Whether it's a kind donation, a helpful MIN post, or support from our sponsors, each week we post a "thanks" as a small way to share our gratitude.

#HaveFunPlaySafe Contest For the second season, our youth-focused Instagram account Behind the Lines ran contests centered on avalanche safety.

Participants under 25 submitted short videos of rescue-skills practice and shared photos explaining why they deserved to win new avalanche gear from Backcountry Access. We’re thrilled to have received our highest ever participation numbers.

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Communications

Collaborative Communications Coordinating our public avalanche safety messages with agencies, public and private, is one of Avalanche Canada’s core values. We work very closely with other major forecasting agencies in western Canada, Parks Canada and Kananaskis Country, and these long-standing partnerships have added significantly to public safety. Collaboration also extends to a range of other agencies that have a stake in public avalanche safety.

This winter we issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning in coordination with Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National Park. Combining our efforts ensures these important safety messages are amplified as much as possible. Working together also ensures the key messages are consistent, a key factor in effective risk communications.

This winter, after five snowshoers were killed in an avalanche, we coordinated with North Shore Rescue (NSR) to issue a safety message for backcountry users of the South Coast mountains aimed especially at that user group. Working with NSR Team Leader Mike Danks gave us the local voice to ensure the message resonated in that community.

Although there was just one snowmobiler fatality this winter, we received reports of very many close calls. In March, the deadliest month for avalanches, we wanted to send an effective message to this user group. A statistical analysis of snowmobiling fatalities over the past five years revealed that the majority were from Alberta. Working with the Valemount and Area Recreation District, a highly popular snowmobiling destination for Alberta riders, we issued a release to outlets in that province, promoting training and safe travel practices.

Over the Easter holiday, we coordinated efforts with the Yukon Avalanche Association (YAA) to send a warning to backcountry users in the Yukon and Northern BC. That region had an unusually weak snowpack over the winter with longer days and warmer temperatures, the YAA wanted recreationists to keep avalanche safety in mind.

Special Public Avalanche Warning Issued by Avalanche Canada, Kananaskis Country, and Waterton Lakes National Park February 9th, 2017 Revelstoke, BC; Canmore, AB; and Waterton, AB: A Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users has been issued for Friday, February 10th to Monday, February 13th.

The areas affected include: Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National Park, and Avalanche Canada’s South Rockies and Lizard and Flathead regions. The southern part of the Purcells region and the eastern part of the Kootenay Boundary region are also included. For a map of the affected locations, click here.

In many areas, a significant recent storm has doubled the depth of the current snowpack. Winds have created dense slabs that lie on a weak base of sugary facetted snow. More snow, wind, and warming temperatures are expected in the coming days before the weather breaks on the weekend.

Avalanche Canada Shore Rescue “Clearing skies and good riding conditions afterand a longNorth drought are expected to entice people into the mountains,” explains James Floyer, Forecasting Program Supervisor for Avalanche Canada. “While Combine Forces for Backcountry Safety Message natural avalanches are tapering off, we’re concerned that human triggering of large avalanches remains possible throughout the weekend.”

April 11, 2017: Avalanche Canada (AvCan) and North Shore Rescue (NSR) are uniting to deliver a Avalanche Canada, Kananaskis Country, and Parks Canada recommend recreationalThe backcountry users of safety message to winter backcountry users of the South Coast mountains. rapid growth with little or and no avalanche avoidwilderness avalanche terrain, or undertake activities snowshoeing the easytraining access or toexperience mountainous is creating a situation that in puts an which avalanche managed by professionals. rescuers.

Experienced backcountry recreationists are urged to increasing numberrisk of ispeople at risk—including travel on simple terrain such as small, low angle, well-supported features with no large steep slopes or

Snowshoeing is generally considered low-risk but like most other sports, boundaries are being cornices above.

Avalanche for Yukon’s Backcountry pushed. “We’re seeing manyAdvisory more snowshoers and in much wilder terrain,”Users explains North Although this warning applies to the regions listed above, recreational users are advised to exercise Shore Rescue team leader Mike Danks. “It’s a relatively easy sport to pick up but the nature of caution as potentially hazardous conditions exist in a number of areas throughout BC and Alberta. winter travel means the user needs appropriate skills. Trails that are fairly simple, Before travelling in the backcountry check www.avalanche.ca for current avalanche information.

April 12, 2017: Although the calendar may sayare spring, shouldinremain on the radar straightforward hiking routes in the summer muchavalanches more hazardous the winter.” forEveryone backcountry recreationists Yukon and Northern B.C.’s mountains. the Easter long in a backcountry partyinneeds to have an avalanche transceiver, probeAs and shovel.

A two-day NSR and AvCan are also concerned about users who are new to the mountains and may not be weekend approaches, Avalanche and the Yukon Avalanche Association are urging Avalanche Skills Training 1 course isCanada the minimum training recommended for travelling (YAA) in avalanche

Reaching the Unaware Two years ago, we took on the challenge of reaching out to winter backcountry users who are unaware they may be exposing themselves to avalanche terrain, and also unaware of the programs and services available for dealing with this hazard.

Although this could describe users such as skiers leaving a resort boundary, or some snowmobilers, we decided to focus on snowshoers. With the help of a committee we developed a brochure that gives very basic guidance on how to identify avalanche terrain and how to recognize when avalanche conditions are worsening.

Over this past season, the brochure was distributed in the mountain national parks, throughout the BC interior and the south coast. Thanks to Parks Canada, it was translated to French and thanks to long-time CAA professional member Helene Steiner who translated it to German. We also paid for it to be translated to Chinese (traditional and simplified), Korean, Japanese and Punjabi.

Sadly, this winter has borne out our concerns from two years ago, with seven of the season’s 12 avalanche fatalities being snowshoers. This sport has been building for a few years and users are pushing into bigger terrain. While it’s wonderful to see more people accessing the winter backcountry, there is clearly a pressing need for a concerted effort to prevent further tragedy.

Stakeholder News Four times a year, we sent out an e-newsletter to more than 2000 people with updates on our activities and previews on our projects. Stakeholder News goes out to members, partners, sponsors and donors to both Avalanche Canada and the Avalanche Canada Foundation. This newsletter has proven to be an invaluable method of communicating with the wide array of stakeholders in public avalanche safety.

Stakeholder News

Image: Andrew Nolan

9

Our Community

Conferences Avalanche Canada is involved in a number of conferences throughout the year that take our staff members to various cities across the country and abroad.

These conferences provide a valuable opportunity to share our work and collaborate with other agencies in support of public avalanche safety.

The International Snow Science Workshop October 3-7, 2016 Breckenridge, CO The event is the world’s marquee conference for snow and avalanche professionals, allowing researchers and practitioners in the field of avalanche and snow science to merge theory and practice. Communications Director Mary Clayton presented “Rescue at Cherry Bowl” and Forecaster Ryan Buhler presented his research on our Mountain Information Network.

SARscene 2016 National Search and Rescue Conference October 12-17, 2016 Edmonton, AB SARscene is the largest annual gathering of the search and rescue community in Canada and brings together search and rescue responders and emergency services, public educators, policy makers and stakeholders from across Canada and the world. Executive Director Gilles Valade participated in meetings to foster cooperation with search and rescue organizations.

Outdoor Retailer Show Jan 6-10, 2017 Salt Lake City, UT Outdoor Retailer is North America’s biggest tradeshow in the outdoor industry drawing more than 29,000 attendees from around the world. Although not a traditional conference, Gilles Valade and Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator Jennifer George participated in strategic meetings, presentations and networked with key sponsors who influence and support public avalanche safety.

Canadian Avalanche Association Annual Spring Conference May 1-6, 2017 Penticton, BC Avalanche Canada’s forecasters, managers and other staff members regularly attend this annual conference for Canada’s avalanche industry professionals. Many of the sessions throughout the week have implications for and influence on public avalanche safety.

HeliCat Canada Spring Meeting May 1, 2017 Penticton, BC Avalanche Canada is an affiliate member of this organization and Warning Service Manager Karl Klassen regularly attends to keep abreast of issues and challenges in Canada’s helicopter and snowcat skiing industry.

International Snowmobile Congress June 7-10, 2017 Winnipeg, MB This event is dedicated to the development of strategies with respect to the environment, conservation, access and education among key snowmobile leaders. Gilles Valade and Snowmobile Outreach Coordinator Brent Strand attended the conference, which offers invaluable opportunities to share ideas with snowmobiling organizations and manufacturers from Canada and around the globe.

European Avalanche Warning Services Conference June 12-15, 2017 Tutzing, Germany This conference includes 35 separate avalanche warning services from 16 countries, who are invited to share their knowledge, needs and experiences. Karl Klassen attended to exchange ideas surrounding public avalanche bulletins and operational practices. While in Europe, Karl also participated in the inaugural meeting of a new avalanche safety working group, spearheaded by the Swedish Avalanche Warning Services. Discussions focused on the development and standardization of measuring the effectiveness of avalanche safety programs.

Southern Hemisphere Alpine Conference June 17-18, 2017 Christchurch, New Zealand This conference brought together delegates from New Zealand, Australia, Austria and Canada. Warning Service Supervisor James Floyer attended, presenting a session on communicating the uncertainty in public avalanche forecasting and a workshop on influencing behavior, which aimed to improve alpine safety using contemporary channels.

Avalanche Québec Avalanche Québec is based in the Chic-Choc Mountains of Québec’s Gaspé Peninsula and produces a bilingual avalanche forecast for that region every two days throughout the winter.

As a non-profit organization, its mission is to improve avalanche safety in Québec through public education, avalanche bulletins and supporting research. We have a long-standing relationship with Avalanche Québec and we have collaborated on many initiatives over the years.

This past year, our two organizations established an agreement on how we can assist each other to promote and improve the AST program for both instructors and students. Moving forward, Avalanche Québec will take over much of the administration of the local AST program. This means they will communicate directly with AST providers, instructors and students in Québec, assist with licensing and training opportunities, and act as the point-of-sale for AST materials. Avalanche Canada will remit 100% of the partnership contribution from Québec AST providers to Avalanche Québec, giving them the financial means to reach a greater number of students and instructors.

Avalanche Québec was established in 1999 and has had a significant impact in improving backcountry safety in that province. Each winter, thousands of backcountry travelers use their programs to plan their trips in the Chic-Chocs and Avalanche Québec has been identified as an important component of the growing tourism market in that region.

Gathering field data in the Chic-Choc Mountains for Avalanche Québec’s public forecast. Image: Emily Grady 11

Our Community

ATES Sign Project Wraps Up

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0) to bring the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) to all of BC’s managed snowmobile areas and many of the province’s popular backcountry skiing regions. This project involved Recreation Sites & Trails BC (RSTBC) and GeoBC, along with dozens of public snowmobiling and skiing groups who all collaborated 5)on this important Legend Legend public safety initiative.

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GET THE APP

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EXTREME Refer to public bulletins for danger ratings at www.avalanche.ca

Today, more than 125 popular backcountry areas have been mapped with this scale and have trailhead signs displaying this valuable information. In the years to come, we hope to offer this information electronically, giving users instant access and easier ability to coordinate with the daily forecast.

2. What is the Avalanche Danger Rating today?

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Anomalies in terrain and avalanche conditions may exist. Users of the AVALUATORTM assume their own risk. © 2010 Canadian Avalanche Centre

Managing avalanche risk relies on an understanding of the complex interplay between the current snowpack conditions and the terrain. Applying the ATES ratings to these many regions is an important step forward in risk communication.

The resulting images illustrate simply and effectively how avalanche terrain changes over the landscape.

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CHALLENGING Exposure to well defined avalanche paths, starting 20 00 zones or terrain traps; options exist to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful route finding.

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COMPLEX Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of steep, open terrain; multiple avalanche starting zones or terrain traps below; minimal options to reduce exposure. Complicated glacier travel with extensive crevasse bands or icefalls.

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1

Annual General Meeting 2016 We aim to have our AGM coincide with a public outreach event, so in November we held our AGM in conjunction with MEC's annual Snowfest event at their North Vancouver store.

Snowfest consists of a gear swap, informative clinics and numerous booths hosting community organizations and leaders in the snow sports industry. Having our AGM accompany Snowfest provided a great opportunity for Avalanche Canada staff to engage with the public and advocate our products and services. Thanks to MEC for hosting us.

ROAD/TRAIL 2

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on the Avaluator chart to manage risk.

• Have you told a responsible person your trip plans?

• Is everyone in your group properly dressed and equipped with a transceiver, probe and shovel?

• Do you have any backcountry knowledge or avalanche awareness training?

trip planner

during the trip planning stage at the trail head. Confirm that rt zone and skill level of your group.

NOT RECOMMENDED - Conditions are primed for avalanche accidents. Even careful decisions can result in serious accidents. Backcountry travel under these conditions is not recommended without professional–level safety systems and guidance.

NOT RECOMMENDED

EXTRA CAUTION - Accidents are frequent and are likely to occur with human or natural triggers. Advanced avalanche skills are recommended for safe backcountry travel under these conditions.

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UTION - These conditions are appropriate for informed backcountry travel in anche terrain. Always watch for isolated slabs and be especially careful if the anche bulletin mentions deep or persistent instabilities.

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e elevation specific danger rating **Use highest danger rating

Warning: Mountain travel is dangerous –hazards exist. Spotting hazards and assessing their risk is your responsibility. Decision guides like the Avaluator cannot eliminate these hazards, but will help you understand and manage them. The Avaluator is no substitute for training, experience, and choosing skilled and responsible travel partners. Use the Avaluator and the information on this sign at your own risk. Travel the back country at your own risk.

Terrain Assessment Maps Warning: This map is illustrative only and should not be used to determine precise routes or location of features. The terrain ratings shown are an approximation and may assist with trip planning. Use the information provided on this map at your own risk. Because of scale some of the areas classified have been generalized. For high resolution interactive digital maps check out the Online Trip Planner at avalanche.ca.

13

Our Community

Project Partnerships Toyota Thanks to our partnership with Toyota BC, we upgraded our fleet this year with two 2017 Toyota Tundras. We chose Toyota for their renowned reliability, safety, power and comfort. Our forecaster, outreach and field work requires driving in all conditions in some very remote locations; having a reliable vehicle is essential to the timely delivery of our public safety programs.

One Tundra was stationed in Fernie with our South Rockies field team; the other was based in Revelstoke for forecasters and outreach personnel. We developed a truck icon for our homepage map, to show where our staff was travelling through the winter. Clicking on the icon also brought users to a contest with some great prizes from Monashee Powder Snowcats, Great Canadian Snowmobile Tours and Mammut.

Our new trucks also brought a great opportunity to be part of Toyota’s “owner approved” ad campaign. Toyota BC commissioned a video of our South Rockies team in action. The weather cooperated, some great footage was shot, and the ad played on cable networks in western Canada and online.

Backcountry Ascender Backcountry Ascender is a free and fun online site that promotes avalanche safety and training for snowmobilers.

Created by software developer Chris Mayer out of Seattle, it engages users to advance their learning through a competitive and interactive program that lets them win prizes while improving their backcountry knowledge and skills.

Chris approached Avalanche Canada in the winter of 2015 to help review the curriculum and we will continue to be involved as the site evolves. Backcountry Ascender is also supported by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association and its four member manufacturers, Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha. To date, the site has had almost 150,000 page views and nearly 10,000 users. www.backcountryascender.com

Backcountry Ascender Level up your backcountry skills

Educated Riders. Smart Decisions

Girls Do Ski Newfoundland Training This past season, we partnered with Avalanche Québec to offer AST courses in Newfoundland. We contracted Avalanche Québec’s Julie LeBlanc to instruct two courses over two weekends, one for skiers and the other snowmobilers.

Despite an extreme weather event that wreaked havoc with the schedule, 14 students completed the AST 1 with many completing a Managing Avalanche Terrain course as well.

Another important aspect of this partnership was to allow two local backcountry users to shadow the courses, an important prerequisite to becoming AST instructors. Winter backcountry recreation is becoming much more popular in Newfoundland, where avalanche terrain can be found all along the province’s east coast. Having AST instructors who live in the region will be an important development in public avalanche safety for Newfound and Labrador.

Girls Do Ski is a freeski camp led by pro skier Leah Evans, aimed at getting more female skiers on the slopes and connecting with those who are already out there. For the second year in a row, Avalanche Canada partnered with Leah to present an AST 1 course for young women at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. With funding help from Columbia Basin Trust, we were able to subsidize this course for 12 skiers and boarders under 20 years old. This has been a very successful initiative and we look forward to continuing with it next winter.

Service Award Avalanche Canada presented its 2016 Service Award to Deb and Dwayne Paynton. This annual award celebrates individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional commitment to public avalanche safety.

As long-time representatives of Backcountry Access, the Payntons have been in the avalanche safety business for many years. Over that time they have always been strong supporters of Avalanche Canada and very generous with their time and contributions, especially for our snowmobile and youth programs.

We are thrilled to recognize their support and leadership and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with them.

Image: Jonathan Reich

15

Our Community

Grassroots Support Avalanche Canada is a non-profit, non-government organization. We work hard to garner grants, seek stakeholder support, work with sponsors and basically make every cent count. We couldn’t do this alone and we appreciate all the help we get.

Many, many thanks to all the donors— individuals and groups—who support our work.

Thunderstruck This generous donation of $10,000 was presented at the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club's new Welcome Centre in early February. For the past six years, Team Thunderstruck and the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club hold a highly successful local fundraiser in the beginning of the season, where Team Thunderstruck unveils their new feature films. In addition to supporting Avalanche Canada, funds also go to the local food bank and Revelstoke Search and Rescue.

Since 2010, the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, their sponsors, Team Thunderstruck, volunteers and participants have donated $55,000 to Avalanche Canada. We are grateful for this tremendous support and celebrate their dedication and cmmitment to public avalanche safety.

Photo (from left) Randy Swenson of Team Thunderstruck, AvCan’s Gilles Valade, Kathy Burke from the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, Jeff Rosner of Team Thunderstruck, AvCan’s Brent Strand and Brock Hoyer of Team Thunderstruck. Image: Revelstoke Snowmobile Club.

Canuck Splitfest Presented by Trapper Snowboards Since 2010, the Canuck Splitfest has been held in Revelstoke, celebrating backcountry splitboarding and raising funds for public avalanche safety programs. Avalanche Canada has helped organize this event since the beginning and it’s been great to see it grow. This year, the event more than doubled previous fundraising efforts with over $12,000 raised. Over 350 people attended the Saturday night social, raffle and presentations. A special thank you to Emilie de Crombrugghe for all of her passion and dedication to planning and organizing this huge event with the help of Dave Pearson from Trapper.

Prizes at the raffle included four splitboards, a day of heli skiing, jackets, guided tours, and tons of other gear from the event sponsors. Without these sponsors, this event would not be a success: Almond Manufacturing Alpine Club of Canada Arc'teryx Burton CAPOW! CFR Chimera Eagle Pass Heliskiing Free Spirit Sports G3 Intuition Kind Libtech Never Summer Nibz

Outdoor Research Pallas Snowboards Prior Revelstoke Mountaineer Sandbox Society Snow and Skate Spark R&D Splitboard HQ Splitboard.com Stoke Roasted Coffee StokeFM, Tantrum The North Face Whitewater Ski Resort

Thanks to local supporters Begbie Brewery and Craft Bierhaus for supplying the beverages, The Village Idiot Bar and Grill for supplying the pizza, and The Sandman for helping with accommodation. We have already scheduled next year's event for January 12-14 2018 in Revelstoke.

Ascend Split Snowboard Festival In its fourth year, the Ascend Split Snowboard Festival raised $5400 in support of Avalanche Canada. Organized

by Edmonton’s Lukas Matejovsky, the festival is a guided weekend for split boarders in Jasper National Park. The event is geared towards backcountry safety, education and awareness of the sport. Each year, Lukas has organizes an evening fundraiser with items from various sponsors and supporters. Avalanche Canada also provides goods thanks to kind donations from Arc’teryx, Dakine, G3, Marmot and Outdoor Research.

Image: Roadtonowhere Photography

Winterstoke Winterstoke is an annual pre-season gathering in Banff that attracts snow sport enthusiasts for a night of local ski and snowboard footage. This sold-out event includes a Q&A session with Marty Schaffer of Capow Guiding and there are always plenty of great giveaways and prizes. Thanks to host Crowfoot Media for donating 10% of the ticket sales to Avalanche Canada.

Provincial Funding The provinces of BC and Alberta have both been long-time supporters of Avalanche Canada. Their ongoing funding has played a significant role in the development and delivery of many of our public avalanche safety programs.

In late January, the Government of Alberta announced a renewed threeyear funding agreement, which will provide Avalanche Canada with $250,000 annually until 2020. We are especially grateful for the multi-year commitment, which allows us to plan for the future much more effectively.

And in mid- March, we were grateful to receive a $500,000 grant from one of our long-standing partners, Emergency Management BC. We hope to stretch this grant over the next three years, to help us maintain our existing programs that our many users depend on.

We very much appreciate this continued commitment to public avalanche safety.

As we continue to lose major corporate sponsors, government funding plays an increasingly important role in Avalanche Canada’s future.

Image: Dee Larosa

17

Public Avalanche Warning Servicea

New Forecasting Software Thanks to a SAR-NIF grant (Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund) from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, we have embarked on a threeyear project to replace the software we use to produce and deliver public safety information, such as our avalanche forecasts, hot zone reports and Special Public Avalanche Warnings.

A number of enhancements to the existing system are planned, including improved data management and visualization. We also aim to develop mechanisms that allow us to deliver information directly to our users, for example by email and social media.

These upgrades will improve efficiency for forecasters, increase the quality of our products, and allow us to communicate more effectively with our users. The project is headed up by our warning service manager Karl Klassen, whose team is now developing software specifications and preparing for the product design phase. We aim to be writing code for this new software by early winter.

Avalanche Forecasts Changes to the Map Our map-based homepage is a vital component of our communication strategy. This year we created a new region called the South Coast, taking the warmer, lower mountains out of the Seato-Sky region and leaving it with higher, colder and more glaciated mountains. Making a region more consistent in terms of climate and terrain makes it easier for us to be more precise in our forecast.

We also added some new ‘layers’ of information to the map, giving users an easy visualization of data vital to avalanche risk management.

Weather Stations We are now displaying information from 70 remote weather stations on our map. We started with Kananaskis Country and four of our own stations in northern BC. In mid-winter we added stations from BC’s Ministry of Transportation. Clicking on these icons provides real-time weather data, which is a great benefit to users as well as our forecasters.

Special Information This icon was introduced this winter to alert users when hazard is higher within certain sections of a forecast region. Putting the icon on the map indicates special information is available to users; clicking on it brings up information on the condition and travel advice for backcountry users.

Fatal Recreational Accidents This icon marks locations where fatal recreational accidents have occurred. Hovering over will give the user the location and date of the accident; clicking on it will result in a small text box with basic information and a link to our incident database where more details can be found.

You guys are lightyears ahead of ALL other weather sites I have found, including the American ones Bravo guys! I'm a weather nut and check your site every day. Love the graphics and indepth information you provide.

Kudos to all involved in the redo of the weather forecast. I'm not sure when that all rolled out but the new tools are awesome.

Changes to the Mountain Weather Forecast In late January we announced some big changes to our mountain weather forecast page. Produced by the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) this forecast offers details and analysis unmatched by any other publicly available product.

The improvements include animation that illustrates coming precipitation, temperatures, winds and other facets of mountain weather. A menu allows users to select different aspects of the forecast they’re interested in, and animated graphics illustrate the weather patterns. Meteorologist David Jones created a number of tutorials that are also included on the site, to help users make the most of the weather forecast.

In terms of users, the Mountain Weather Forecast page is second only to our avalanche forecasts. This is clearly a highly valued product and we regularly receive high praise from our users about this page. We are grateful to the MSC for providing this service and are proud to be hosting it.

Being amateur weather nerds, my wife and I said "cool" about 15 times as we poked about.

Learn more at www.avalanche.ca/ weather/forecast

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Public Avalanche Warning Servicea

Hot Zone Reports There are a number of popular backcountry regions in western Canada where daily forecasts are not available because our forecasters don’t receive enough local data to produce one.

Solving the problem of data-sparse regions has long been a priority but finding a cost-effective method has not been easy.

We’ve been developing a new approach to this issue we call Hot Zone Reports (HZR). Over the past winter season we ran a pilot project, funded by Recreation Sites & Trails BC and the Yukon Avalanche Association (YAA), providing avalanche safety information for five popular backcountry destinations: the Renshaw and Kakwa areas of the North Rockies, Telkwa and Hankin-Evelyn of the Northwest Inland, and the Yukon’s White Pass and Wheaton Valley.

While not the equivalent of a daily forecast, the HZR provided general summaries of local conditions and risk management advice. HZRs were issued when sufficient data was available. The primary source for data was local users of the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Quantity and quality of MIN submissions are vital to the HZR, so user training was a key component of the pilot project. Sessions were held in all regions to increase public awareness of HZR and encourage participation in the MIN. We also wanted to develop observation skills among MIN users, in order to improve the data quality flowing into the HZR. The main thing we learned from this pilot project was the importance of hands-on training sessions for local users. In the Yukon, YAA funding allowed us to hire a local contractor who lived and worked in the region for the entire season. This contractor organized and led a number of training sessions and as a result, user engagement in the HZR was very high and the program was a success.

With no resources for a dedicated trainer in the other four regions, familiarity and uptake with the product was quite a bit lower, which affected our ability to issue an HZR on a regular basis. While we held some MIN training in these regions, real success will rely on providing more opportunities for local backcountry users to learn how to use the MIN, how to take and submit good observations, and discover the MIN's relevance to their safety.

Hot Zones were signified on the map by a fuzzy grey circle. When a Hot Zone Report was issued, the icon’s colour changed to blue. These reports were made possible when sufficient MIN observations had been submitted from the region, supplemented by data from regional weather stations and computer models of the snowpack.

Yukon

Avalanche Canada has worked closely with the non-profit Yukon Avalanche Association (YAA) to provide regular forecasts for the White Pass and Wheaton Valley since 2011.

Unfortunately, this season there was not enough funding to support a field team, the vital prerequisite for a forecast in this datasparse region.

However, the Hot Zone Report pilot project was good option and the YAA raised enough money to hire a dedicated project manager, who conducted a number of well-attended training sessions to encourage local users to use the Mountain Information Network. This training was key to the success of the project.

Through this pilot project, Yukon backcountry users were provided with useful, timely information to support their decision making. In addition, public avalanche safety knowledge and skills were developed. We look forward to building on the success of this project with the YAA in the future.

MIN training in the Yukon was a big factor to the HZR success in this region, with over 150 participants throughout the season.

Five free “Intro to the MIN� sessions were run between December and April. Three one-day field sessions were also held, targeting backcountry users with at least AST 1 training. Image: Benjamin Horowitz

21

Public Avalanche Warning Service

Field Team South Rockies Our South Rockies field team is comprised of three avalanche technicians based in Fernie, BC. This year the team was in the field almost 80 days, collecting snowpack, weather and avalanche information for the forecasting office in Revelstoke.

This data and insight into local conditions helps Avalanche Canada produce daily forecasts for the Lizard Range and Flathead, and the South Rockies region, which span the border between BC and Alberta.

Committed to building relationships with the local backcountry community, the South Rockies field team interacts with riders during their time in the mountains and through outreach events. Early in the season, the team delivered avalanche education programming to schools in the area with some very popular hands-on training. Later in the season they worked closely with the Fernie Snowmobile Association, who hosted a very successful Avalanche Awareness Days event at the popular Rolling Hills riding area. A portion of the day’s proceeds was donated to Avalanche Canada.

Aside from having a strong local presence, the South Rockies Field team is building a dedicated following on social media. Separate from the Avalanche Canada accounts, the team managed and provided engaging content for several social platforms, showcasing great images, informative videos, regular Mountain Information Network posts and local forecasts to help spread the word about avalanche hazard and promote Avalanche Canada products.

Jen Coulter prepares to lead a rescue exercise with local snowmobilers in Fernie.

Image: Nicole Matei

South Rockies Social Media Having their own social accounts has proven to be a highly effective communications tool to endorse avalanche safety as well as develop and foster lasting relationships with the riders in the region.

Follow our Field Team: FB: Avalanche Canada South Rockies IG: @avcansouthrockies YouTube: South Rockies Field Team

The South Rockies Field Team would not be possible without the generous support of Teck.

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Public Avalanche Warning Service

Research Keeping current with the latest research is essential to our goal of reducing avalanche accidents. Since 2015, we have been supporting Dr. Pascal Haegeli’s position as Research Chair in Avalanche Risk Management at Simon Fraser University (SFU). We work closely with Pascal and his students on a variety of projects, particularly those topics that carry significant potential for improvements to avalanche safety.

Over the past season we were able to operationalize a research project that’s been underway for a number of years. Snowpack modelling initially came out of the Applied Snow and Avalanche Research group at the University of Calgary. This winter we used the model to support our Hot Zone Report project, primarily in the North Rockies and Northwest Inland regions. We are quite optimistic about its potential to help us improve our understanding of local conditions and expand services in datapoor areas.

Working with SFU, we received a grant from Mitacs, a national not-for-profit dedicated to supporting applied and industrial research, and building links between academia and real-world applications. This grant is supporting a grad student who is working on a project aimed at predicting avalanche danger from an assessment of avalanche problems. This project also has the potential to improve services to regions without a daily avalanche forecast.

Avalanche Canada plays an important role in technology transfer, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and realworld application. As we incorporate new research into our daily operations, we can refine and focus, always with the long-term goal of improving public avalanche safety products.

InfoEx Since 2004, when Avalanche Canada was established, our forecasters rely on the professional information exchange known as InfoEx as our primary source of data.

InfoEx is a subscription service for professional avalanche operations in Canada that allows a daily online exchange of snow, weather and avalanche observations. As a subscriber, Avalanche Canada accesses this reliable stream of high-quality data, which then informs our understanding of the everchanging snowpack across the vast and remote mountainous regions of western Canada.

InfoEx has been administered by the Canadian Avalanche Association every winter since 1991. The InfoEx system, and its subscribers who provide their data on a daily basis, play an integral role in Canada’s public avalanche safety.

Image: Raven Eye Photography

25

Education and Outreach

Avalanche Canada Training Programs Records were broken this year as AST student numbers rocketed to a 25% increase. We saw increased student numbers in every course and had a total of 10,760 students overall. We were particularly pleased with a 28% increase in AST 2, as we have been pushing the message for backcountry recreationists to pursue further training.

We also saw a 9% increase in snowmobiling students and we’re pleased that more snowmobilers are seeking training.

This year a new course was added to the suite of AST courses. Managing Avalanche Terrain is a one-day course that gives students the opportunity to put into practice all the trip planning skills they learned in an AST 1, under the guidance of an instructor. Though we didn’t have many people take the MAT course this year, we received high marks from those instructors who did offer it and we hope to see more uptake next year.

Snowshoers are a growing demographic and one that Avalanche Canada has been targeting this past year. BC’s south coast and Alberta’s Kananaskis Country are two regions where we are seeing tremendous growth in this sport. We are encouraging AST providers to offer snowshoe-specific AST courses to ensure this group gets this essential avalanche education.

AST 1 TEACHES THE FUNDAMENTALS OF AVALANCHE FORMATION, TRAVELLING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN AND COMPANION RESCUE.

AST 2 INCREASES DEVELOPS KNOWLEDGE OF TERRAIN CHOICES, ROUTE FINDING AND DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN.

COMPANION RESCUE SKILLS A ONE-DAY COURSE OFFERING AN INTRODUCTION OR REFRESHER FOR THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN AVALANCHE INCIDENT RESPONSE.

AST 1 Course Participants

AST 2 Course Participants

CRS Course Participants

12,000

1,200

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900

300

6,000

600

200

3,000

300

100

12-13

13-14

14-15

15-16

16-17

12-13

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12-13

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15-16

NEW THIS YEAR: MANAGING AVALANCHE TERRAIN A ONE-DAY FIELD-BASED COURSE FOR AST 1 GRADUATES, AIMED AT DEVELOPING MORE ADVANCE WINTER BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL SKILLS. 51 STUDENTS ATTENDED THE COURSE THIS PAST SEASON.

Presented by

16-17

New Online Search Tool for AST This season we introduced a new look for our training page, with improvements for prospective students as well as AST providers. To find a course, users can search using filters to select the type of course, the date range, recreation type (sled, ski, snowshoe or youth) and the location. Or you can find a provider by filtering by location and recreation type.

For AST providers, adding courses is now much faster and easier.

Providers will be able to edit and delete courses, and easily see all of their listed courses in their account. We’re excited about these improvements that will help users find an AST course that fits their needs and help all of our licensed AST providers promote and market their courses.

Evening prep at a hut-based AST 2 course Image: Vince Hempsall 27

Education and Outreach

Youth Programs Avalanche Canada has had a dedicated youth program since 2009 that has been growing consistently since then. Over the 2016 – 17 season, our team presented to 8085 students in schools throughout southern BC and western Alberta. We also delivered hands-on field training in avalanche awareness and avalanche rescue to 80 students.

As illustrated in the map, our valued sponsors and partners play a vital role in this program. Thanks to Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), RBC Foundation and Parks Canada for their support for youth avalanche education. In February, CBT announced a three funding agreement, which is a renewal of their ongoing support.

We also focus on sharing educational materials for teachers, parents and youth leaders, allowing valuable snow safety concepts to Canada be deliveredYouth to a much wider audience.

Youth section of our website is a hub of ideas and lesson plans.

Avalanche Programs andThe Funding Images and videos are available to download, all on a searchable database. Most importantly, we have developed instructional 2016/17 support, providing guidelines to our grade-specific curriculum.

Avalanche Canada Youth Programs and Funding 2016/17 Columbia Basin Trust 4843 Students.

RBC Foundation 1325 Students.

Parks Canada 1617 Students.

Columbia Basin Trust Funding from the Columbia Basin Trust allows us to deliver our youth programs to 30 schools in 25 communities within the Columbia Basin, reaching 4843 K – 12 students. CBT funding also allowed us to offer subsidized youth-specific Avalanche Skills Training and Companion Rescue Skills courses in Revelstoke, Trail, Rossland and Kimberley.

Columbia Basin Trust—Columbia Basin Communities.

4843 Students.

RBC Foundation Hinton, Jasper, Grande Cache, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt.

RBC Foundation—Edson, 1325 WithStudents this funding, our instructors travelled to northern Alberta, reaching grades 4 – 12 in Edson, Hinton, Grande Cache, Grande Parks Canada—East Kootenays, Bow Valley, Calgary. instruction closer to home, in Malakwa and Enderby. For this coming season we are Prairie and Whitecourt.

We also provided 1617 Students

planning to apply this funding to get into schools in the Edmonton area.

Parks Canada Our partnership with Parks Canada allows us to deliver the Avy-Smart program to students in the East Kootenays, Bow Valley and Calgary.

"I think every ski racer and freestyle program should have this program.

These are the kids that are at the hill all the time, pushing the limits, and need to know about avalanche safety.”

Brad Robison Parent, Kimberley BC

“I liked how the gear was covered, and that there was a good balance between positives and negatives of backcountry and out of bounds skiing. Good video choice and very encouraging. “ Aaron Hyde Grade 12 student, Cranbrook BC

"In the backcountry, RISK" is always there. The more training and experience you have the less risk.

We learned what to look for and how to survive and even save a life . . . all of which can save me or my buddy in the back country."

Youth Education Team

Jordie Allan Grade 11 student, Trail BC

Many thanks to our youth education team who help deliver our program to schools and communities in BC and Alberta.

“This was one of the most practical and relevant presentations I have shared with my class. Overall, it was a great learning opportunity.”

Shannon Werner, Coordinator Colin Adamson Alison Cardinal Jen Coulter Ross Horrelt Megan Kelly Madeleine Martin-Preney Curtis Pawliuk

Jodie Osmundson Teacher, Malakwa BC

Megan Kelly delivers an engaging presentation to a class at Fernie Secondary School.

Image: Jen Coulter 29

Education and Outreach

Online Learning Life Lessons

Rescue at Cherry Bowl

Learning from experience can be one of the most effective forms of education, so we were excited for the opportunity to create an experiencebased interactive online game to use in our high-school programs. Creds is a Calgary-based company that creates scenario-based learning for worker safety. Creds’ founder Peter Gammell reached out to us with his concept—using game theory to provide opportunities for learning and decision making, based on the details of a case study.

In early November, we were very proud to introduce the newest addition to our online learning program. Rescue at Cherry Bowl is a multi-media, interactive site that takes the viewer through the experience of an incredible backcountry rescue.

Working together, we created a scenario based on a fatal avalanche accident near Revelstoke in February, 2013. The scenario was completed in mid-winter and Youth Program Coordinator Shannon Werner took it for a trial run at Revelstoke Secondary School. The classes that participated showed enthusiasm, excitement and full engagement in the game. Teachers encouraged further use and are excited to see the program develop.

The next case study is based on a near-miss accident that occurred with a member of our youth team. We’re excited to have these two scenarios to use in our youth program for this coming winter. creds.ca

When we first heard the story of this avalanche accident, we knew we wanted to bring it to a much wider audience. Three lives were saved because the rescuers had recently taken a Companion Rescue Skills course and that training made the difference between life and death.

We are thrilled with the reception of this project. It was viewed well over 100,000 times this winter and used in many outreach and youth education sessions. We’re grateful to everyone involved for telling their stories so honestly and emotionally. We hope this site will inspire more backcountry users to keep up their training, hone their rescue skills and continue to engage with Avalanche Canada and all our programs.

RESCUE AT CHERRY BOWL

This Is A Story That Needs To Be Told START YOUR JOURNEY

Outreach Every winter, Avalanche Canada sends staff far and wide with outreach messaging and this year was no exception. Our outreach efforts include collaborating with partners as well as conducting our own sessions. Budget constraints don’t allow us to offer face-to-face sessions to every group and club that asks but we make our best attempt to fulfill requests.

Due to the predominance of snowmobile fatalities over the past few years, we made a special effort to target this user group. In the early season, Forecaster Mark Bender visited five communities in central Alberta and in the mid-season, Executive Director Gilles Valade and Snowmobile Outreach Coordinator Brent Strand travelled to six different communities in northern BC. All of these visits included evening presentations featuring our Renshaw case study and many included hands-on transceiver practice with interested clubs. This trip also included the teen-focused presentation “Know Before You Go” to 160 students in Mackenzie, BC. Avalanche Canada participates in many other outreach events in the early season, including Staying Alive events in Revelstoke and Golden, which are put on by the local ski resorts. Our forecasters also gave presentations in Smithers, McBride, Houston, Kamloops, Squamish, Calgary and Banff. Each year we try to visit new regions and communities and when that’s not possible, we work with local groups to help promote training and awareness.

Case Studies We worked closely with the BC Coroners Service and the local SAR responders to develop a presentation based on an accident from January 29, 2016, when five snowmobilers were killed in a single avalanche near McBride, BC. The Renshaw case study offers many valuable lessons and we were very encouraged by its reception, as it generated excellent discussion in every venue where it was shown. We also created a presentation based on our online microsite called Rescue at Cherry Bowl, which tells the story of an amazing rescue of three backcountry skiers. This presentation highlights the necessity of staying tuned in to your surroundings, and tuned up with your rescue skills.

"Avalanche Canada and the BC Coroners Service share a strong commitment to enhancing safety for wintering recreationists at risk of avalanche. We collaborate in real-time investigation of avalanches with fatal outcomes. The information gathered is used in the short term to support Avalanche Canada's vital forecasting system and critical media releases. In the longer term, communicating the lessons learned with the public plays a key role in accident prevention. I look forward to continuing our collaborative responsibilities."

BC Coroner Service Special Investigations Unit Coroner Chico Newell

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Education and Outreach

Avalanche Ambassadors 2016-17 For a second season, Avalanche Canada utilized Avalanche Ambassadors to extend our avalanche safety and educational messages through social media.

Our Avalanche Ambassadors are high-profile backcountry recreationists who generate/share posts, photos, forecasts, submit MIN observations, and promote Avalanche Canada training programs with their followers. Through their leadership and passion for backcountry safety we are able reach a much greater audience.

We are excited to have our Ambassador program expanded to six members, which included two new youth ambassadors. We’d like to thank this talented team for their hard work and support this winter. Due to an impressive response from our followers, we plan to continue and further develop this positive initiative next season.

Nadine Overwater Nadine is a professional snowmobiler pursuing a career in the field of avalanche safety. Nadine also runs La Nina Sled Camp, snowmobiling clinics for women riders to build confidence in a positive environment.

IG: @nadineoverwater Chris Rubens Over the past ten years, Chris has developed an international reputation as a professional skier. He spends as much time as possible in the backcountry every winter and specializes in putting beautiful lines down mountains for both film and photo projects.

IG: @chrisrubens Wayne Flann Wayne is a long-time ski patroller at Whistler-Blackcomb, a member of Whistler Search & Rescue, and a passionate avalanche safety blogger. Wayne also has been involved in mountain safety for the film industry for close to 30 years.

IG: @whistlerwango Brodie Evans Brodie is a professional big mountain sledder. He took his CAA Operations Level 1 course last season, in his first step towards becoming an avalanche professional. He hopes to build his portfolio and help spread avalanche awareness.

IG: @brodie_evans2550 Youth Ambassadors Piper Noble Piper spends her winters coaching for Rocky Mountain Free Riders, a free-skiing team based in Lake Louise.

Piper also assists with Girls Do Ski events. Her goal is to inspire and educate young girls to get out and enjoy the mountains as much as she does.

IG: @pipermaslen Keegan Capel With a background in big mountain competitions, Keegan now works as a coach for the Rocky Mountain Free Riders. He’s excited to help promote avalanche safety for the up and comers in Canada.

IG: @keegancapel

Avalanche Awareness Days 2017 Avalanche Awareness Days is a celebration of our winter heritage and an opportunity to learn more about our winter environment and how to stay safe in our beautiful backcountry.

This season 27 communities held an Avalanche Awareness Days.

Many volunteers, SAR groups, patrol teams, snowmobile clubs and ardent avalanche educators make these events happen at the local level. Several communities held fundraisers for Avalanche Canada in conjunction with their event and these donations go directly to supporting the public avalanche forecast. Many thanks to Fernie Alpine Resort, Apex Mountain Resort, Castle Mountain Resort and Mt. Washington Alpine Resort for their fundraising efforts and generous donations to Avalanche Canada.

Some 30 communities participate in this annual weekend event, highlighting backcountry safety and often holding fundraisers for Avalanche Canada. These events take place throughout BC and Alberta, as well as the Yukon and Newfoundland.

A Grateful Goodbye CP has been a major funding partner of public avalanche safety in Canada for over 16 years and was the title sponsor for Avalanche Awareness Days for over a decade. Their commitment to this event has helped make it our most prominent outreach initiatives.

Megan Kelly and her partner Mogul at Fernie’s Avalanche Awareness Days.

Image: Jordan Johnson

CP was one of the first private-industry sponsors of public avalanche safety and over their tenure, has contributed more to Avalanche Canada’s growth and our many successful programs than any other non-government partner. In addition to providing significant in-kind support to the Foundation’s annual fundraising gala in Calgary, CP contributed over $50,000 annually to help support Avalanche Canada’s programs.

We thank CP for their strong support and generous collaboration over our many years working together. We now look to the future and are actively searching for a new sponsor for Avalanche Awareness Days.

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Education and Outreach

MOUNTAIN

INFORMATION

NETWORK GET ON IT!

avalanche.ca

Photo: Tim Grey

Billboard Thanks to funding from The Sandman Hotel Group, we were able to procure another billboard on the westbound Yellowhead Highway in Hinton AB. We used the same message and image as last year— Avalanche Ambassador Nadine Overwater encouraging riders to check the conditions. This year we significantly enhanced the text style to better grab the attention of mountain snowmobilers driving from Alberta and Saskatchewan to the North Rockies area.

The billboard is lit at night and was displayed from November through March.

Snowmobile Outreach Avalanche Canada has had a dedicated snowmobile outreach program since 2011 and effective engagement with snowmobilers is one of our top priorities. We make significant efforts to make and maintain connections throughout western Canada, with a specific emphasis on reaching riders in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

This season, Snowmobile Outreach Coordinator Brent Strand attended sled shows in Edmonton, Saskatoon and Vernon. Sled shows are an effective venue to connect with riders, using outreach materials and making scheduled presentations that encourage training and the use of the Mountain Information Network. Brent also went on a BC road trip with Executive Director Gilles Valade to Mackenzie, Prince George, Valemount, Blue River, Clearwater and Kamloops. They presented the Renshaw case study and made good connections with clubs in all those communities..

SledCom Our Snowmobile Committee (SledCom) was established in 2009, with the purpose of better understanding and meeting the avalanche safety needs of the snowmobiling community. Over the years SledCom was an effective voice for the community, providing Avalanche Canada with valuable feedback, networking and suggestions. Their contributions were essential to helping us build a strong foundation for our snowmobiling programs.

Now, close to 10 years later, we appreciate the gains we have made, thanks to the participation, dedication and commitment of the members of SledCom. At the end of this season, we dissolved this group and began the work of assembling a new team of riders. We look forward to working with the next version of SledCom. Many thanks to the following who have contributed much time and energy to SledCom. Curtis Pawliuk (chair) Chris Brookes Richard Cronier Ray Mason Debbie Paynton

Tyler Paynton Ryan Shelly Jason Smith Joel Wasnidge Donegal Wilson

Alberta Safe Riders Since 2013, Avalanche Canada has been contributing to Alberta’s Safe Riders Program, a program delivered to students K – 12 to promote responsible use of offhighway vehicles. While avalanche safety is only a component of the one-hour presentation, we feel this is a valuable program to support because it reaches many smaller rural communities in Alberta where snowmobile use is very high.

Safe Riders is presented by the Alberta Snowmobile Association, in conjunction with the Alberta Government. This season, 11,089 students in 48 Alberta schools received this program.

Sled Sponsors Our field team, forecasters and outreach personnel travel on mountain snowmobiles throughout our regions collecting avalanche observation data for our forecasts, engaging with backcountry snowmobilers in the field, working with stakeholders and installing weather stations. Each season our snowmobile sponsors loan us a new machine for our operational use. Thanks to the following dealerships and manufacturers for supplying the following: • Alpine Mountain Sport in Salmon Arm, BC o Yamaha Viper • Backus Racing in Mara BC o Polaris Pro RMK 800 •Banner Recreation and Marine in Vernon, BC o BRP Ski Doo Summit SP-T3 • Shuswap Xtreme Recreation in Salmon Arm, BC o Arctic Cat M9000 King Cat

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2014-15 Avalanche Fatality Statistics

Canadian Fatal Avalanches In 2016 – 17, 12 people were killed in seven avalanche accidents.

Twelve fatalities is below the ten-year trailing average of slightly more than13 avalanche deaths per year; similarly, seven separate events is below the ten-year trailing average of 10 fatal accidents per year.

This winter was notable in terms of user groups affected. Seven people died while snowshoeing this winter. To help place this in context this is equal to the total number of snowshoeing and hiking fatalities for the previous 15 years. Snowshoeing and winter hiking is a rapidly growing activity with a demographic of people with minimal mountain safety training and experience.

Also remarkable is the fact that only a single snowmobile fatality occurred. This is well below the average of 4.4 over the past five years and 6.3 over the previous decade.

A highways worker was killed in Québec while outside his truck. It appears that in the course of clearing roads he had emptied his truck in a storage area where a snow-blower then blew it into a large pile. This “mountain” of snow released an avalanche which pushed the snow-blower and trapped the driver.

Trauma was a significant cause of death with preliminary information snowing nearly 75% died of trauma from trees or cliffs, not asphyxiation. In 25% of the fatalities airbags were present but did not prevent death.

In terms of location, British Columbia continues to be the province where most fatal avalanche accidents occur. Once again this winter more than 70% of the accidents were in BC with 75% of the fatalities. This is consistent with long-term trends.

Finally, avalanche rescue dogs were a widely used rescue resource locating more than half the victims this winter. Although no one was recovered alive, they sped up recovery, facilitated closure and ultimately reduced the exposure and risk of rescuers.

Annual Avalanche Fatalities in Canada Showing 10 Year Moving Average 25 20 15 10

16-17

15-16

14-15

13-14

12-13

11-12

10-11

09-10

08-09

07-08

06-07

05-06

04-05

03-04

02-03

01-02

00-01

99-00

98-99

97-98

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Putting it into Perspective

Avalanche Fatalities 2007 – 2017 By Location

British Columbia

107

Alberta

22

Québec

4

Yukon

1

Nunavut

0

NWT

0

0

Newfoundland & Labrador

Thoughts on Avalanche Fatality Statistics Not everything that counts can be counted

Total 134 How do we measure the effectiveness of our public avalanche safety programs?

While fatality trends may be an obvious metric, those numbers don’t tell the whole story because we have no way of knowing the total number of backcountry users. Without that data, we can’t know the true accident rate – the number of accidents in comparison with the number of users.

Avalanche Fatalities 2007 – 2017 By Activity Snowmobiling

63

Backcountry Skiing

28

Out-of-Bounds Skiing

Snowshoeing and Hiking

Mountaineering

Mechanized Skiing

Other

8 12 5 10 8

Total 134

We do know backcountry use is on the rise. The backcountry skiing market, once niche, is now attracting the attention and investment from major ski companies. Mountain snowmobiles are a growth product for manufactures. And there is a noticeable increase in media coverage of backcountry activities, from newspapers to broadcast media to speciality magazines.

Backcountry use is becoming ‘normalized’ as more people venture into the winter wilderness. In light of this growth in users, the relatively stable trend in avalanche fatalities reflects positively on our efforts. Through awareness and education, we continue to encourage the respectful and responsible use of Canada’s magnificent winter mountain terrain.

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Financial Summary

Allocation of Expenses Public Avalanche Warning Service 1,301,737

Total revenues for Avalanche Canada were $1.849 million, which is down almost $100,000 from last year. We also had an additional revenue of $17,184 for the AvID project. Expenses for the year were $1.828 million leaving a surplus of $20,352. This surplus was allocated the Avalanche Skills Training Intellectual Property Renewal Fund and to the Special Projects Fund. In addition to the expenses listed herein the following items were designated as capital: $7,880 was spent on computer equipment and weather station parts and $50,000 as a deposit on the AvCan building purchase.

Outreach 194,001 Youth Programs

165,112

Avalanche Skills Training Program

95,728

Projects 72,160 Total

$1,828,738

Expenses by Category

Operating Revenue

by Source

Payroll

1,123,677

Office, Overhead, Insurance & Misc. 281,579 Travel 99,794 Government (Federal, BC and AB) 880,431

Amortization 66,576

Sponsorships 489,168

Advertising & Printing

Retail Sales

Transfers 34,573

249,916

86,678

Other* 83,522

Training & Professional Fees

44,929

Project Revenue

40,954

Board & Consulting Expenses

75,932

AST Contributions**

88,195

Research 15,000

Membership Dues

6,240

Total

$1,828,738

Donations 10,664 Total

$1,849,090

*Amortization, freight, interest, recovered costs. **Includes $22,049 for the AST Intellectual Property Renewal.

Note: The following items are in addition to those listed and are not included because they were capitalized.

Down payment for building purchase 50,000

AST Intellectual Property Fund

Computer Equipment

The revenues added to the AST IPR $13,701

Total

7,880 $57,880

Looking Forward

Mobile App Update We are constantly working on our app to make incremental improvements but this season will be our first major upgrade. The current application is about five years old, which is pretty ancient in technology years. We are aiming to improve the app’s offline abilities to allow users in the field without coverage to still see the map, the forecast, hot zone reports and the MIN. We will also be updating the map so it shows the same image as the website and working on improving the user experience for MIN submissions.

Fatality Database Avalanche Canada maintains an interactive database for all recorded avalanche fatalities in Canada. This database currently resides on our old website, which means users have to click-through to the old site in order to access it, Our IT department has been working on modernizing this database to allow more analytics and analysis. Once it’s ready it will be moved over to our current site, where it will be a much more reliable and more efficient user experience. We are aiming to have this live sometime this coming season.

Risk Communication In conjunction with Simon Fraser University, we have contracted a risk communications specialist who is going to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication products coming from our Public Avalanche Warning Service. We will be taking a close look to see how they can be improved and what mechanisms could be used to improve the reach and efficacy of our communications.

New Tools Backcountry users are increasingly pushing into new terrain, which means more users are in areas that aren’t covered by a daily avalanche forecast. Our team is developing a tool to help recreational users assess avalanche danger where there is no avalanche danger rating.

We intend this new approach to be integrated into our training courses.

It’s currently out for review and we hope to have it in use later this coming season.

Image: Lyle Grisdale 39

Funding Partners

Government Stakeholders Avalanche Canada is grateful for support from the following government ministries and departments:

Province of British Columbia

Government of Canada

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Emergency Management BC BC Coroners Service

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorological Service of Canada Parks Canada

Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Gaming Grants

Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness National Search and Rescue Secretariat

Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resources Operations & Rural Development Recreation Sites and Trails GeoBC Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy BC Parks Snow Survey Program Ministry of Jobs, Trades & Technology DataBC

Government of Alberta Ministry of Environment and Parks

Sponsors Our sponsors are essential to public avalanche safety in Canada. We rely on sponsor funding for our Public Avalanche Warning Service, public outreach, and many of our education programs.

Program Partners

Premier Sponsors

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Funding Partners

Supporters

Contributors

"MEC's purpose is to inspire and enable people to live active, outdoor lifestyles. We encourage people to get outside, we encourage people to go into the wilderness and we certainly encourage people to get into the mountains. Living in a mountainous northern country, the work done by the people of Avalanche Canada is invaluable; the services and information we have on snowpack conditions are often taken for granted, but they’re important. Of all our partnerships, our relationship with Avalanche Canada is not only one of the longest but it’s also one I’m most proud of" David Labistour Chief Executive Officer MEC

"The North Face’s deep roots in outdoor exploration and boundary pushing have been made possible with the support of such organizations as Avalanche Canada. Their operations are essential for the spirit of safe adventure with a mission of getting outside and to Never Stop Exploring. We’re extremely proud to support Avalanche Canada’s pursuit in minimizing public avalanche risks."

Max Turcotte Marketing Coordinator The North Face

"Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ commitment to safety has spanned the past 40 years. As one of Canada’s leading AST providers, we rely on the daily avalanche forecasts produced

by Avalanche Canada’s expert forecasters and we are a proud supporter of Avalanche Canada. We are committed to promoting avalanche awareness, skills and safety and join in Avalanche Canada’s efforts to reduce avalanche risk in the backcountry."

Len Youden General Manager Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

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Our People

Avalanche Canada Board of Directors

Avalanche Canada Staff 2016-17

President Kevin Seel

Executive Director Gilles Valade

Vice-President Kevin Williams

Avalanche Warning Service Manager Karl Klassen

Treasurer Simon Buckett

IT Manager Will Harding

Secretary John Irvine Directors Paul Chatterton Kory Fawcett William Jackson Terry Palechuk Curtis Pawliuk Jeremy Vandekerkhove Lawrence White

The members of the board of directors are very engaged and bring a wide set of complementary skills and expertise necessary for the governance of Avalanche Canada. The board meets regularly via conference calls five to six times per year and through faceto-face meetings on another two to three occasions. The board's executive committee generally meets weekly during operating season and every two weeks during slower periods.

Communications Director Mary Clayton Sponsorship and Marketing Jennifer George Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Geismar Forecasting Program Supervisors James Floyer Ilya Storm Avalanche Forecasters Mark Bender, Ryan Buhler, Cam Campbell, Colin Garritty, Mark Grist, Simon Horton, Joe Lammers, Tom Riley, Josh Smith, Shannon Werner Web Developer Karl Guillotte Youth Education Coordinator Shannon Werner Social Media Coordinator Elyse Young Snowmobile Outreach Coordinator Brent Strand Comptroller Janis Borden Bookkeeper Julie Matteau South Rockies Field Team Jen Coulter, Megan Kelly, Lisa Larson

2016-17 Annual Report

Image: Troy Grant

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Avalanche Canada Foundation

A Message from the President Thanks to the generosity of many of you, the Avalanche Canada Foundation has had another successful year. This past year we’ve supported Avalanche Canada and its programs as well as avalanche safety in general through grants and scholarships totalling over $95,000. At the same time we continue to build a stronger balance sheet and financial reserve to support Avalanche Canada’s future.

The Foundation is a federally registered charity that supports the work of Avalanche Canada. Founded in 1999, we work closely with Avalanche Canada to raise funds for avalanche safety. Fundraising events, donations and gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Foundation relies on the generosity of friends and donors who are committed to safe winter travel. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed close to two million dollars in grants to Avalanche Canada and avalanche safety in general.

Yet, today more than ever, Avalanche Canada continues to need our support. Demand for services continues to grow year over year, while funding from government and corporate sources have either remained unchanged or have declined. If you read the avalanche bulletin or benefit from Avalanche Canada’s programs and services, please make a donation to the Avalanche Canada Foundation. It’s easy—just go to www.avalanche.ca and click on the “Donate” tab. Avalanche Canada needs your help.

The Foundation supports public avalanche safety in other ways as well. We help fund the Research Chair in Avalanche Risk Management in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University with an annual grant of $40,000. We also administer a number of donor-directed funds dedicated to avalanche safety.

Examples include the Craig Kelly fund, the Cora Shea fund and the ISSW fund, all of which provide grants and scholarships that support avalanche education and research. Visit our website to learn more.

Please help us support Avalanche Canada and avalanche safety in Canada by making a donation to the Avalanche Canada Foundation.

Gordon Ritchie, President

Heli-skiing with CMH—the world’s first and largest heli-ski company—was one of the great items up for bid at our annual Calgary fundraiser in March.

CMH is a long-time sponsor of the Avalanche Canada Foundation and a committed supporter of public avalanche safety. Image: Craig McGee

Fundraising The Avalanche Canada Foundation is very proud of our fundraising activities.

From our annual benefit in Calgary and the many smaller groups and organizations hosting events, to individual donors contributing to our cause, these all reflect the reality that public avalanche safety is worth fighting for.

Once again, our most successful fundraiser this past year was our annual Calgary fundraiser, held at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in early March. In partnership with our generous host Canadian Pacific, a caring community enjoyed the chance to connect and contribute to avalanche safety. There was an impressive silent auction, featuring trips to pristine backcountry lodges, beautiful artwork, outdoor gear, heli- and cat-skiing trips, as well as dinner packages on the historic Royal Canadian Pacific train.

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Avalanche Canada Foundation

Fundraising Spin for Snow Safety In November, the foundation held its inaugural spin class fundraiser at Method Cycling Studio in Vancouver. It was a great day, bringing together the outdoor community to sweat and raise funds for Avalanche Canada. Almost 40 riders were in attendance who together raised over $18,000 to support avalanche safety and awareness. We are very grateful to everyone who participated and to all of those who donated to our riders. A huge shout out to the event sponsors, including EY Law, Arc’teryx, G3 and Method Cycling Studio

Image: Gord Ritchie

Support for Snowmobile Training In February, the Valemount Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA) hosted Avalanche Canada’s Snowmobile Outreach Coordinator Brent Strand and Executive Director Gilles Valade for an Avalanche Awareness event at the Best Western Plus Valemount Inn and Suites. The evening event involved engaging presentations, games, prize draws and cash bar. Admission was by donation with all proceeds going to the foundation’s Al Hodgson Memorial Fund, which provides support to snowmobilers wishing to take recreational or professional-level avalanche safety training.

Image: Curtis Pawliuk

The Foundation also benefited from many smaller yet effective fundraisers put on by individuals and groups committed to helping our cause and raising awareness of the need for stable funding for public avalanche safety. These included: • John Phillips’ Chalet Shaker, Whistler • Cardel Homes movie premiere, Calgary • Blackfoot Chiefs Midget 2 annual hockey tournament, Calgary • Banded Peak Brewery fundraiser, Calgary • Buffalo Bill’s fundraiser, Whistler • PowderQueenz, ladies-only snowmobile clinic fundraiser, Blairmore, AB • Freshtival, film night and presentations, Calgary Many thanks to all who donated to the Avalanche Canada Foundation this past year. We look forward to continuing to build on our momentum!

Grants and Awards In addition to $30,000 of core funding to Avalanche Canada’s programs and services, the Foundation provided $40,000 in support of the Chair in Avalanche Risk Management at Simon Fraser University, as well as $10,000 to Avalanche Québec to fund public bulletins.

Financial Summary The financial position of the foundation continues to improve. In 2017, total assets held by the foundation rose to about $874,000 from $794,000 a year earlier.

The Foundation provided $95,401 in grants in support of avalanche safety: $30,000 in support of Avalanche Canada’s programs and services, $10,000 in support of Avalanche Québec, $40,000 for research at Simon Fraser University and $15,401 in scholarships.

Revenues 2017 Net Fundraising*

98,930

Deferred Contributions**

65,401

Individual Donations

46,009

Corporate Donations

28,371

Other 3,909 Total

$242,620

*Fundraising revenue less fundraising expenditures. **Contributions for avalanche research and scholarships.

Avalanche Canada highlights • $10,000 for youth education thanks to the RBC Foundation • $20,000 for Public Avalanche Bulletins ISSW Fund • Six awards totalling $12,901

Expenditures 2017

Craig Kelly Memorial Fund • One award of $1,000 Cora Shea Memorial Fund • Two awards totalling $1,500 Simon Fraser University • $40,000 was granted in support of the Avalanche Research Chair. This is the second year of a seven-year commitment totalling $240,000

Grants to Simon Fraser Univ.

40,000

Office & Overhead***

34,012

Grants to Avalanche Canada

30,000

Grants to Avalanche Québec

10,000

Scholarships 15,401 Total

$129,413

***Includes office, professional fees, travel, insurance and bank charges.

NOTE: All information is from the Foundation`s audited year-end financial report as of June 30, 2017.

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Avalanche Canada Foundation

Supporters Organizations and individuals who have made three-year funding committments are recognized as Founders.

Founding Friends Contributing $5000 annually for three years.

Brad & Tanya Zumwalt

The Polar Foundation

Anonymous Donor

Damon Ockey

Gordon & Debbie Ritchie

Founding Contributors Contributing over $250 annually for three years.

J Bruce Jamieson Keenan Cannady

Ken Little Kory Fawcett

Kevin Williams

Event Sponsors Calgary Fundraiser, March 2017 Presented by Canadian Pacific

Avalanche Canada Foundation Board of Directors President Gordon Ritchie Vice-President Samantha Stuart Treasurer Jim Hall Directors Keenan Cannady John Hetherington Ted Hincks John Phillips Frances Picherack Leah Plumridge David Thompson Gilles Valade Kevin Williams

Office Adminstration Pattie Roozendaal

Image: Joe Gilbert 51

Avalanche Canada PO Box 560, 1596 Illecillewaet Rd Revelstoke,  BC V0E 2S0 avalanche.ca

Avalanche Canada Foundation PO Box 8800 Canmore, AB T1W 0C1 avalanche.ca/foundation

T 250.837.2141

Charitable Registration #86900 0349 RR0001 T 403.678.1235

Image: Raven Eye Photography