FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) – The Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center has been the primary source for avalanche and snow condition information in the area and this year, it’s expanded its ability to provide such information by creating a new avalanche professional position to monitor the area. Not only is it a new development for EARAC, but it bolsters the safety for those that seek adventure in the Eastern Alaska Range.
With a longer season and more areas that see less traffic, the Eastern Alaska Range is an enticing area for back country enthusiasts from around the state. However, it’s also an area that has far fewer avalanche safety resources compared to Southcentral Alaska. Actions are being taken to make the area safer for those that explore the area.
“Prevention is the best thing you can do, whether that’s keeping your fingers warm or staying off, you know, a slope that’s about to trigger because the consequences are a lot bigger,” said Andrew Doughty, the avalanche professional that now monitors the area. “We’re a lot farther away from the hospital, you’re a lot farther away from the trailhead and there’s just like less people around.”…