Our operation primarily uses InfoEx as the central digital platform for avalanche forecasting and operational record keeping. Each control team member has a login and is responsible for entering field data throughout the day, including avalanche observations, weather conditions, and snowpack assessments. 

Forecasters hold moderator privileges and review submissions before sharing selected information with the broader InfoEx network. This ensures data quality and relevance while maintaining operational confidentiality where needed. 

We rely on InfoEx not only for documentation but also as a key decision-support tool, aligning with the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard. The system allows us to track trends, compare observations, and inform daily hazard assessments. 

Our workplace relies on strong interdepartmental networks—including patrol, lift operations, grooming, and outdoor operations—to ensure safe and efficient mountain management. InfoEx serves as our central platform for sharing snowpack information, which is critical not only for patrol but also for other departments making terrain and scheduling decisions. 

We categorize and share data as follows: 

• Class 1: Avalanche observations. 
• Class 2: Snow profiles and hazard ratings. 
• Class 3: Weather observations. 

This information feeds into a run list that indicates open or closed status for each zone. The nighttime snowcat crew uses this list to avoid exposure to forecasted hazards, while departments like lift operations and guest services reference it to anticipate potential delays to our standard 9:00 AM alpine opening. 

Our patrol team forms the backbone of our human network for avalanche hazard management. We use radio communication to relay real-time observations of unstable snow, avalanche activity, and weather changes. When primary channels are congested, we switch to alternate frequencies to ensure critical information is transmitted without delay. 

This integrated system of digital tools and human communication allows us to maintain situational awareness across departments and respond quickly to changing conditions. 

At the start of last season, I led a practical avalanche search and rescue training session as part of our patrol team’s early-season onboarding at Candy Mountain Resort. The audience consisted of both returning and new patrollers, and the session was designed to reinforce core safety protocols and hands-on rescue techniques. 

The briefing covered several key topics: 

• Avalanche safety equipment standards required by our organization. 
• Proper transceiver use, including how to wear the device and maintain minimum separation distances from electronic interference (e.g., mobile phones). 
• Search strategies, with practical exercises in: 
  • Recco system use 
  • Multiple transceiver searches 
  • Probing and shoveling techniques
  • Communication protocols within an incident command structure 

The session emphasized both technical proficiency and team coordination, ensuring patrollers were confident in their roles during a rescue scenario. It also served as a refresher on best practices and helped build cohesion among the team before the operational season began. 

I function effectively within my organization by understanding my role, respecting its boundaries, and contributing to team objectives. As a ski patroller at various locations, I carried out daily responsibilities such as marking hazards, completing documentation, assisting guests, and providing first aid when needed. These tasks were performed in coordination with the broader patrol team to ensure safe and efficient mountain operations. 

While assisting with snow safety at Mount Kiwi in New Zealand, I was mindful of my position as an observer. I focused on learning from the experience and contributed during debriefings by sharing insights, without overstepping into decision-making roles. 

In my role as a tail guide for both cat and heli-ski operations, I worked closely with the guiding team by participating in morning briefings and end-of-day discussions. My primary responsibility was to ensure all guests arrived safely at the lead guide’s regroup location. If a guest was struggling, I communicated via radio to confirm their safety and coordinate with the lead guide. 

I also performed snowpack and weather observations and completed other tasks assigned by the guiding team. I was careful not to assume lead guide responsibilities, such as selecting skiable terrain or performing ski cuts. Additionally, I supported logistical tasks like loading guest equipment onto the cat and keeping guests engaged while guides discussed terrain management strategies. 

At both cat and heli-ski operations, avalanche hazard forecasts and the operational field plan are central to terrain decision-making. These tools guide our daily run list discussions, where we assess which zones are appropriate based on current conditions. When faced with challenging scenarios—such as heavy snowfall and wind loading—guides typically opt for simpler terrain with minimal avalanche exposure. More complex terrain requires additional data, which may involve sending a dedicated snow safety team to conduct stability tests before entry. 

Terrain shape and features play a critical role in identifying avalanche problems. We pay close attention to lee slopes, convexities, long planar slopes, and steep terrain, as these are more prone to instability. Micro-terrain features are also used to gather information in real time—for example, ski cuts on small convex rolls can reveal localized instability without significant exposure. 

I’ve carried these practices into my personal touring days, where I assess slope choices by considering: 

• The current avalanche hazard forecast 
• Likely avalanche size and probability 
• Terrain consequences and runout zones 
  

Using the forecast and field plan, we identify hazard-prone areas in advance and build a guiding framework around them. However, safe travel requires constant observation, terrain reassessment, and dynamic decision-making. Understanding which terrain features are most likely to produce avalanches allows us to select safe zones for digging, ski cutting, and guest travel. 

In my role, I support the guiding team by contributing to discussions when I can add value—whether through observations, terrain suggestions, or group management strategies. By maintaining large margins of safety and carefully managing group movement when those margins narrow, we’re able to move guests through serious terrain safely and effectively.