Cooperative Work Experience
I conducted a cooperative work experience project with the Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC) during the 20/21’ season as a Professional Observer. FAC consists of four forecasters, including the Avalanche Center Director, two Professional Observers and an Education Coordinator. The center forecasts for approximately 1,000,000 acres that include the Flathead, Swan, and Whitefish Ranges within the Flathead National Forest and portions of the Apgar, Lewiston, and Lewis Ranges in Glacier National Park, Montana. The learning objectives of this project were to significantly advance my academic and professional knowledge and skills by assisting the avalanche center operations with the development of daily public avalanche forecasts. This was accomplished through conducting and submitting fieldwork observations and safety plans, weekly snowpack summaries, and the creation of radio and social media content. Learning objective progress is listed below and discussed in greater detail.
● Staff Training: Pre-season staff training in the fall.
○ This consisted of two days of virtual meetings to bring the staff, interns and volunteers up to speed on the forecast workflow, regional overview of forecast zones and weather stations, emergency procedures, and administrative
requirements. I immediately assimilated into the team and was asked my opinion of several matters due to my operational experience.
● Fieldwork: Conducting and submitting fieldwork observations twice a week. ○ I conducted fieldwork one to three times a week. Adverse and dangerous weather and avalanche conditions contributed to accomplishing only one field session a couple of times. Additionally, I was unable to coordinate schedules to accommodate National Forest Service (NFS) snowmobile training in order to utilize NFS mechanized travel when conditions prohibited human-powered travel. ○ There happened to be a significant rain-on-snow event while I was on duty resulting in a large avalanche cycle. This provided the valuable opportunity to get out and see the size and distribution of the cycle. We observed many avalanches up to D3 to D3.5 in size on many aspects and elevations. It was very helpful in putting into context the destructive force of such large avalanches with entire trees amongst the deposition fields.
○ I had the unique opportunity to observe a rare airborne explosive mitigation operation with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway, which included BNSF forecasters, BNSF employees, and National Park Service representatives. The operation was successful with several positive results that threatened to obstruct railway operations.
● Forecasting: Assisting with the daily avalanche advisory through the development of social media, radio, and hotline content. Additionally, write a weekly public snowpack summary highlighting key events from the week.
○ I attended the daily morning forecast discussion when extrapolating data to refine the development of the forecast. I then created a daily social media post for three
different platforms and submitted forecast audio recordings to local radio and NFS hotline based on the daily forecast and any recent significant events. ● Education: Assist with teaching one avalanche education class during the four-week period.
○ Unfortunately, I was unable to assist in teaching any avalanche education due to scheduling conflicts.
● Research: Assist in research and data collection for several ongoing studies if schedule allows.
○ Again, I was unable to assist in research or data collection for any ongoing studies.
I am grateful for the opportunity to intern at the FAC and learn from the staff. I am most interested in forecasting operations within the avalanche industry so this was exactly the type of cooperative work experience I was looking for. The staff is a wealth of knowledge and it was insightful to learn exactly what a forecaster is looking for when conducting fieldwork to help inform the next day's forecast. I was provided direct feedback on strengths and weaknesses which will guide both my continuing education and technical skill sets.
