American Avalanche Association

The american avalanche association is comprised of a collective group of dedicated professionals engaged in the study, forecasting, control and alleviation of snow avalanches. Association membership includes qualified researchers, professional avalanche forecasters, educators, guides, snow security officers, snow rangers and qualified ski patrollers, technicians and specialists. On a norm of 27 people died in avalanches each winter in the United States over the last 10 winters. There is no way to verify the number of people caught or lay to rest in avalanches each year, because most non-fatal avalanche incidents are not reported. The American Avalanche Association is a non-profit corporation sustained by membership dues, donations and sponsorship. An Administrative Director oversees the general operation and serves under the direction of a Governing Board. The board is consisting of elected officers and section representatives. The section representatives are a direct link to American Avalanche Association representative working in seven geographic regions. Each section representative reviews executive membership applications from their region, among other duties. An additional Governing Board member serves on behalf of member affiliates.