LEADVILLE, Colo. (AP) — Authorities in the Western U.S. who issue avalanche warnings are raising concerns over recent staffing changes that could impact critical lifesaving forecasts relied upon by skiers and travelers in mountainous regions. The dismissal of numerous meteorologists and environmental scientists by the Trump administration has raised alarms about the potential consequences for public safety in areas prone to avalanches.
The forecasting work is essential for individuals engaging in activities such as skiing and climbing in areas susceptible to avalanches. Following a significant avalanche near Anchorage, Alaska, which claimed three lives, ongoing recovery efforts underscore the importance of accurate forecasts to prevent such tragedies. Additionally, forecasts are utilized by transportation officials to assess risks on roads, particularly in regions like Colorado where recent incidents, such as a vehicle being swept off the highway by an avalanche, have occurred.
Doug Chabot, who led the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center in Montana for nearly 24 years, emphasized the life-saving impact of their work, stating, “We save lives and there are people alive today because of the work we do. To cut programs indiscriminately will hinder our ability to prevent loss of life.”
Avalanches are responsible for approximately two dozen fatalities annually in the U.S., underscoring the importance of accurate predictions provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The collaboration between avalanche forecasters and NOAA meteorologists is vital in determining the likelihood, severity, and location of avalanches, with the data-driven models and communication exchanges playing a pivotal role in forecasting.
Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, stressed the interdependency on NOAA’s data, warning that the absence of this critical information could disrupt the forecasting process. With 18 avalanche-related deaths reported so far this winter, the impact of reduced NOAA support could amplify risks for individuals in remote areas of Western states.
The Trump administration’s decision to reduce staffing levels at NOAA has raised concerns about the potential repercussions on various safety networks, including flight operations and severe weather warnings. The lack of transparency regarding the specific positions affected has fueled uncertainty among experts in the field, who fear that any reduction in resources could compromise the quality of avalanche forecasting.
While immediate effects may not be imminent, stakeholders are bracing for potential challenges in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of avalanche forecasts if NOAA’s capabilities are diminished. The commitment to public safety through weather information and forecasting remains paramount, despite the uncertainty surrounding the impact of recent staffing changes at NOAA.
“This week near Leadville, Colorado, Greene examined layers of snow, digging a pit and inspecting snow crystals. He marveled at a beautiful layer of ice crystals that can create weak layers prone to avalanches under certain conditions. These surveys are critical for forecasting avalanche risk, along with weather data that influences snow conditions. In Frisco, Colorado, college students Burgoyne and Otenbaker from Michigan prepared for a mountain trail adventure, emphasizing the importance of avalanche forecasts in avoiding serious dangers. Burgoyne highlighted the significance of such reports in saving lives, cautioning against the allure of fast skiing and deep snow. Brown contributed to this report from Billings, Montana.”
