Northwest Avalanche Center

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Northwest Avalanche Center

The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) provides daily mountain weather and avalanche forecasts

09/03/2026

Tickets are officially live for the 20th Annual Northwest Snow & Avalanche Workshop! 🏔️❄️

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9am–5pm

On the agenda for this year:

📖 Bruce Tremper – retired director of the Utah Avalanche Center & author of the book, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain – is joining us, and a new edition of the book is dropping this year. He’ll dig into what’s changing and why.

🌨️ Karin Bumbaco, Deputy State Climatologist at the WA State Climate Office, breaks down what this El Niño winter could mean for us here in the PNW this season.

📝 Plus a stacked lineup of breakout sessions to choose from. Check the session descriptions on the event page to plan your day.

Tickets sell out every year, so don’t wait!

🔗 Link in bio to grab your spot

08/31/2026

What do finding your number partner, decorating an NWAC tote, and testing your skills in the Rescue Gear Olympics have in common?

They were all part of the fun at last year’s First Tracks Fest! 🎿

This year, we’re running it back with some fresh activities mixed in! Join us to kick off the season, connect with your local backcountry community, and enjoy a night of festivities, local brews, and a guaranteed good time. 🏔️

📍 Portland – Sept. 23, 2026 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | 10 Barrel Portland
📍 Seattle – Oct. 13, 2026 | 5:30 - 9:30 PM | Reuben's Brews

Bring your crew, we’ll bring the fun! RSVP with the link in bio!

08/28/2026

Get your 26/27 membership gear!

Emily Paulson of Sundog Design Co. created this artwork a few seasons ago, and we were excited to finally incorporate it into our membership gear this year.

Avalanche problem types are an integral component of our forecasts, and this design is a fun way to wear part of the avalanche forecast ❄️

Your NWAC membership is what makes these forecasts possible. Donate $100 and choose a tee or hat, $250 for a hoodie, or $500 for an eqpd bag — all featuring the avalanche problems at the core of each forecast.

Prefer something from a past season? We’ve still got the 25/26 t-shirts, Hydro Flasks, Outdoor Research Superstrand jackets, and more!

08/19/2026

Last year was just the beginning. ❄️🔥

A little throwback to the energy, community, and good times at First Tracks Fest, our annual pre-winter kickoff for the backcountry community. And this year, we’re expanding to Portland!

📍 Portland – Sept. 23, 5:30 - 9:30 PM
📍 Seattle – Oct. 13, 5:30 - 9:30 PM

Come get stoked for the winter season with interactive activities, swag, drinks, a raffle, and plenty of new and familiar faces from across the backcountry community.
Tag your crew and save the dates! RSVP now at the link in bio. 🎿🏔️🍻

08/13/2026

Our 2025-26 Annual Report is here! ✨

From the first backcountry forecast issued on December 6, 1975 to the launch of First Tracks Fest, 200+ education programs, and major growth of our Avy platform, this season was a milestone one.

None of it happens without YOU. Thank you for being part of the NWAC community and helping us keep the PNW backcountry community informed.

Read the full report: https://nwac.us/about-annual-reports/

Here’s to the next 50 years (and a new website coming this fall 👀).

07/31/2026

❄️ First Tracks Fest RSVPs are OPEN! ❄️

We're already thinking about winter and how much we can't wait to kick off the season with you at First Tracks Fest! 🏔️ We have TWO events this year:

📍 Portland → Wed, Sept 23 | 10 Barrel Brewing Company | 5:30-9:30pm
📍 Seattle → Tues, Oct 13 | Reuben's Brews | 5:30-9:30pm

FREE admission, but space is limited, so be sure to head to the links below to RSVP and lock in your spot!

Portland RSVP: https://give.nwac.us/ftfpdx2026
Seattle RSVP: https://give.nwac.us/ftfsea2026

Expect a night packed with interactive activities to get you back in the winter mindset and connected with the backcountry community 🎿🏂

07/29/2026

New season, new gear 🏔️ and we're very stoked about this lineup!

👕T-shirts + HOODIES (they're back!) featuring an avalanche problem design by
🖤 The beloved black tech hat, now with a fresh patch by
🎒 Do-it-all bags by

Your membership fuels daily avalanche forecasts and keeps our education programs going strong.

Follow the link to join or learn more about our membership tiers, benefits & monthly giving options: https://nwac.us/membership

PS: 2025/26 tees, neck gaiters, wool caps, Hydroflasks & OR jackets still available!

07/08/2026

TWO cities. ONE mission: get excited for winter. ❄️

We're hosting our season kickoff party, First Tracks Fest, in Seattle AND, new this year: Portland!

📍 Portland – Sept 23 @ 10 Barrel Brewing, 5:30-9:30pm
📍 Seattle – Oct 13 @ Reuben's Brews in Ballard, 5:30-9:30pm

Free entry • Interactive activities • Epic raffle prizes • Cold pints • Maximum stoke

Save the dates! Details + RSVP coming soon. Tag the crew you're bringing. 👇

06/06/2026

NWAC is heartbroken to report the death of our friend and colleague, Robin Pendery. On Thursday, June 4th, Robin was working as a climbing ranger on Mt McKinley/Denali when she fell into a crevasse.

Robin has been an integral part of our community for years, working as a professional observer at NWAC, a member of the Crystal Mountain avalanche forecasting program, and a guide for Alpine Ascents International.

We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Robin’s family, friends, and community.

Address

249 Main Avenue S. Suite 107/366
North Bend, WA
98045

Website

http://www.nwac.us/

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