by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Apr 2, 2026 | Division News, Program News
The Avalanche teaching season has come to an end for the Eastern Division. This year we successfully ran two Level 1 classes and one Level 2 class. A total of 44 students completed their Level 1 training, and 12 students completed Level 2.
We had an amazing group of patrollers participate in the programs this year. Everyone was fully engaged in their learning and went above and beyond to complete both their online and in-person coursework.
We also had two new Level 1 avalanche instructors complete their mentorships. Congratulations to Jeff and Val Luby for their hard work and dedication to the program!
Looking ahead to next season, we plan to run three Level 1 classes and one Level 2 class.
In the meantime, remember to continue your training and education during the off-season. This fall you can attend the AMN Refresher (date and location TBD), as well as the Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop in Fryeburg, ME in early December.
While most resorts will be closing soon, there is still plenty of backcountry skiing to enjoy. Tuckerman Ravine typically holds enough snow for skiing well into May. This is my home patrol area, so feel free to reach out for current conditions.
Also be sure to follow the Mount Washington Avalanche Center daily avalanche bulletin. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about the Avalanche Program.
Linda Helms, the Certified Program Avalanche Chair, sent a couple of cool videos from YouTube. Yes, they are regarding avalanches.
The first is from Tuckerman Ravine on 3/15/26. I was patrolling that day and we heard about this slide, and even spoke to the person involved. He said it was about a 6″ crown and comprised of the new snow on the old bed surface which had seen some rain and re-freeze. Someone caught it on video. Pretty cool. Lots of drama. Tuckerman Ravine Avalanche
This next video is of a recent wet slide in the La Sal Mountains of Utah. The La Sals are south and east of the Wasatch so have a more similar snow pack to Colorado (continental vs inter-mountain). La Sal Moutains Avalanche
Also of interest is a recent podcast about an avalanche accident in the La Sal mountains that occurred in 1992. Avalanche Podcast
I have not had the chance to look into further developments of the Sierra Avalanche fatalities from February. I will update when I have the chance. Enjoy the weather, and keep hoping for snow.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Feb 24, 2026 | Division News, Program News
This winter has been cold and snowy for the Avalanche Program. The first course of the season at Whiteface Mountain, NY, saw 16 students successfully complete their Level 1 Avalanche Certification. Over three days spent outdoors in the backcountry and on the mountain, students learned how to evaluate the snowpack and execute avalanche rescues.
Students plan to use their newly found knowledge to venture onto bigger terrain out west, pursue backcountry skiing in the east, and continue on toward the Certified Program.
Twelve students enrolled in a Level 1 course at Smugglers’ Notch, VT, and another 12 students will be taking their Level 2 course at Whiteface in the coming weeks. All courses for this season are full, but we will be offering additional courses next season to accommodate the growing interest in off-piste skiing.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Dec 22, 2025 | Program News
Snow is falling and beginning to accumulate in the mountains. Avalanches have already occurred in Tuckerman Ravine, and unfortunately a few people have been caught—thankfully, with no injuries. In bound avalanches have occurred at Eastern Division Resorts of Holiday Valley (WNY) on The Wall and at Wisp (WAPP) on The Face. No injuries in either of these evets as well. With the season underway, now is an excellent time to sign up for an avalanche class.
The Whiteface Level 1 and Level 2 courses are already full. However, the Smugglers’ Notch and Tuckerman Ravine Level 1 classes still have plenty of spots available.
Congratulations to Kevin Burns from the Whiteface Patrol for being awarded the Eastern Division Avalanche Scholarship! Kevin completed the classroom portion of the National Avalanche School in Utah this past October and will be taking his Pro 1 field session this winter. I encourage all avalanche instructors to apply for the scholarship next season to continue their education.
Congratulations to Les Blomberg on receiving the Eastern Division Roger Damon Avalanche Award! Les is a dedicated patroller with more than 30 years of service and an accomplished avalanche instructor. He continues to share his deep expertise by mentoring new students and supporting the next generation of avalanche professionals. This award recognizes not only his long-standing commitment to safety and education, but also the lasting impact he’s had on !the community.
Stay safe out there!
Editor’s Note: There were two avalanches in unlikely places 12/15-16. Use this link for more information.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Oct 23, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The dates for all the avalanche courses are now up on the Eastern Division calendar. Registration for the classes will be open by the middle of November at Patroller School. We will be running three Level 1 and one Level 2 courses. The IOR for the classes are listed with each one individually. If have any questions on any individual courses, please reach out to the IOR or me.
The program goal is to provide premier avalanche safety and rescue education, specifically designed for the needs of patrollers, mountain search and rescue teams, and snow recreation stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the program provides distinct curricula appropriate for different stakeholder needs and different geographical conditions.
The Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop (ESAW) 2026 date is Saturday, December 6 at the Fryberg Academy in Fryeberg, ME. A one-day, live-in-person event, it is a great opportunity to further your avalanche education and spend time with fellow avalanche instructors. Tickets are on sale now. There will be an ESAW after party at Ledge Brewing in Intervale, NH.
I will be offering continuing education for all avalanche instructors that attend in person. Even if you’re not an avalanche instructor, it is a great opportunity to learn more about avalanches and safety in backcountry skiing. I hope to see you all there.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Sep 16, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Even though it’s been a hot summer, I’m sure many of us are already thinking about snow!
Don’t forget to save the date for the AMN refresher this September 26-28 in Pike Glades, NH. The registration will close on September 22. This is a valuable opportunity to stay current with your skills and knowledge.
As instructors, we are always striving to do better and enhance our expertise. With that in mind, I’m excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Avalanche Scholarship are now open!
This scholarship can help fund your participation in:
These are all fantastic opportunities for professional development in the avalanche community.
If you are interested in applying or have any questions about the scholarship, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
Hello everyone, 
I’m Rob West, your new Division Avalanche Supervisor. I’ve been involved with the program for the past 10 years and currently patrol in Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington. Though the ski season is over, our amazing team of instructors is already planning for next season!
We have six events coming up, starting in September. The AMN Refresher will be held in New Hampshire this year from September 26-28. This is a great event to refresh some of your skills and learn new ones. The Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop will be held in late fall in Fryeburg, Maine.
Next winter, we will be running three Level 1 Avalanche courses at the usual venues. We’ll also be running a Level 2 class at Whiteface in early March. This is a great class to enhance your understanding of the snowpack, making observations, and developing higher-level avalanche rescue skills. Stay tuned for final dates, which will be posted late summer.
Feel free to reach out if I can help you in any way.
by Rob West, Avalanche Supervisor | Jan 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Hello everyone. Winter is upon us, and the snow has been falling. Thanks to some early-season storms the backcountry is skiing nicely. With that, it is time to think about avalanche safety when venturing into the backcountry.
The Eastern Division is running three Level 1 Avalanche classes this season. If you are venturing out into Tuckerman Ravine or getting ready for the Certified program these classes are for you. Our first class is coming up soon, from January 24-26 at Whiteface Mountain in NY. Registration is now open at Patroller School or contact the IOR Chuck Boyd.
Our other two classes are at Smugglers’ Notch and Tuckerman Ravine. Dates and information can be found on the Patroller School website. See you all soon.
