Keep working for an avalanche center
A winter snowstorm on Jan. 2 prompted me to write this letter.
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Snowfall intensity is heavy this morning, probably about 1 inch per hour, and the snowpack in the high country above Mount Juneau will be changing in many ways. As the winter season develops, snow avalanche danger can always be a threat in our community.
A Dec. 19 Juneau Empire article announced that the city's urban avalanche forecasting system for 2007-08 was canceled. A pilot program was started last year at a cost to the city of $40,000, and $50,000 became available for this winter, but another $90,000 was needed to do the job right.
I am one of the board members of the Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center. Naturally, I'm disappointed the forecasting aspect of our mission will not be operating this winter. It's unfortunate the Assembly and the center could not reach an agreement on this matter. However, I am sure the center will continue to exist and provide important prevention and educational information to many local and outdoor winter recreation people.
Nevertheless, I believe we should keep a snow avalanche forecasting program on the city Finance Committee table for next winter. The center and the Juneau Assembly should start formulating a sound budget proposal right away.
Back in 1980, Alaska initiated a statewide snow avalanche forecasting program that was a cooperative interagency effort by 12 federal, state and municipal agencies. The lead federal agency was the U.S. Forest Service. That program operated successfully until 1987, when the state of Alaska discontinued its participation due to lack of funding.
Marc Scholten's My Turn article in the Juneau Empire on Dec. 25 gives an excellent analysis of why he believes avalanche forecasting should be supported. He relates the dynamic metamorphic changes that can occur within a snowpack to his own experience with ice skating or skiing on frozen ice. His last paragraph will make anyone think about the program's value.
Bob Janes Sr.
Douglas