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Avalanche Australia follows international standardised reporting protocols for issuing Avalanche Forecasts. These protocols ensure consistency and clarity in the information provided, allowing users to make well-informed decisions based on reliable data.

By distinguishing between Avalanche Forecasts and Backcountry Condition Reports, users can better understand the specific focus, purpose, and information provided in each type of report. This allows individuals to make more informed decisions based on their level of knowledge, experience, and the specific information they require for safe backcountry travel.

Avalanche Australia recommends that individuals seek expert training from fully trained and certified industry professionals, Avalanche Australia is emphasizing the importance of acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to safely navigate backcountry conditions. This approach promotes personal safety and reduces the likelihood of accidents or incidents in these challenging environments.

This education delivered face-to-face in the alpine environment offers unique benefits that may be challenging to replicate through online or virtual training methods.
​Here are some reasons why face-to-face learning in the alpine environment can be advantageous:

1. Hands-on Experience: The alpine environment provides a practical and experiential learning setting. Being physically present allows learners to directly engage with the natural surroundings, practice skills, and gain firsthand experience. Whether it's mountaineering, rock climbing, or environmental studies, the hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding and mastery of the subject matter.
2. Immediate Feedback and Guidance: In-person instruction allows for immediate feedback from knowledgeable instructors. They can observe and assess learners' progress, provide real-time guidance, correct techniques, and address individual needs. This personalized attention and guidance can greatly enhance the learning process, especially in activities that require precise skills and safety measures.
3. Group Dynamics and Collaboration: Face-to-face learning in the alpine environment often involves group activities, fostering collaboration, teamwork, and the development of social skills. Learners can engage in group discussions, problem-solving exercises, and cooperative tasks that promote interpersonal connections and effective communication.
4. Safety Considerations: Certain activities in the alpine environment carry inherent risks. Face-to-face education allows instructors to provide on-site supervision, ensuring learners' safety and well-being. Instructors can teach proper safety protocols, demonstrate equipment usage, and respond quickly to emergencies, creating a secure learning environment.
5. Environmental Awareness: Being physically present in the alpine environment offers a unique opportunity to develop a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of environmental responsibility. Learners can witness the beauty, fragility, and ecological dynamics firsthand, fostering a stronger connection to the environment and promoting sustainable practices.

Avalanche Australia can suggest the best providers of training products for backcountry conditions, both within Australia and abroad. This guidance helps individuals interested in exploring the backcountry to access reputable training programs and learn from experienced professionals. This emphasis on education and training contributes to the overall safety and preparedness of outdoor enthusiasts.
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Avalanche Australia continues to issue Avalanche Forecasts and has done so since 2015, prioritising the expertise of internationally trained and certified Avalanche Professionals. Avalanche Australia’s commitment is to provide accurate and reliable information while promoting safety.

If there are any specific questions or further information you would like to discuss, please let us know!


We deliver a premium avalanche service to industry and the public.

Vision
To develop a safety culture for the alpine regions of Australia which enables the backcountry users to enjoy Australia's backcountry safely.
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Mission
To provide an premium avalanche information service and an education resources to allow people to safely travel in the backcountry. 

Values

• Committed to provide world class training to the public and commercial sectors for those that use the Australian alpine areas.
• We provide current and relevant training from our experienced professional team to ensure we are up to date with all industry best practices.
• Data collected from our network is used to maintain knowledge of our unique Alpine area specific to Australia.
• Website information and course delivery is designed with the end user in mind. This information is relayed in a format that is relevant to Australian conditions and easy to interpret for use by the public.

Why we align with international standards for Avalanche Forecasting instead of issuing Backcountry Condition Reports

1. Avalanche Forecasts:
   • Focus: Avalanche forecasts primarily assess the risk and likelihood of avalanches occurring in a specific area.
   • Scope: These forecasts provide information specifically related to avalanches, including their potential size, location, and timing.
   • Purpose: The purpose of avalanche forecasts is to alert individuals to the level of avalanche danger in a given area and provide guidance on appropriate precautions and decision-making.
   • Information Provided: Avalanche forecasts typically include details about avalanche conditions, stability assessments, avalanche danger ratings (such as low, moderate, considerable, high, or extreme), and specific terrain or elevations where avalanches are more likely to occur.
   • Target Audience: Avalanche forecasts are intended for individuals with Recreational / Professional knowledge of avalanche terrain and experience in backcountry travel.
2. Backcountry Condition Reports:
   • Focus: Backcountry condition reports encompass a broader range of factors that can impact safety in remote and uncontrolled environments.
   • Scope: These reports provide information about various aspects of backcountry conditions, including weather, Visability, Surface Conditions, and individual skill levels.
   • Purpose: The purpose of backcountry condition reports is to provide a overview of the current conditions to help individuals make informed decisions about backcountry travel.
   • Information Provided: Backcountry condition reports may include details about weather conditions (such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation), snowpack characteristics, recent snowfall, terrain surface features, and any specific hazards or concerns in the area.
   • Target Audience: Backcountry condition reports are generally useful for individuals with low levels of backcountry experience, as they provide overall conditions, not just avalanche risk.

By distinguishing between Avalanche Forecasts and Backcountry Condition Reports, users can better understand the specific focus, purpose, and information provided in each type of report. This allows individuals to make more informed decisions based on their level of knowledge, experience, and the specific information they require for safe backcountry travel.



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Address
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Jindabyne,
NSW
Australia
2627

Email
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[email protected]