Utah’s New Avalanche Center Director Pledges to Reduce Fatalities in the Backcountry

Utah has seen more backcountry skiing, hiking and camping than ever before in the state’s history. Luckily for citizens and visitors of the Beehive State, the Utah Avalanche Center has appointed a new executive director with big goals in mind. Nazz Kurth, a lifelong climber, backcountry skier, and the newly appointed executive director of the Utah Avalanche Center, stated that the number of people in Utah’s backcountry has “increased dramatically over the last 10 years.” He plans to do all he can to keep backcountry users safe from avalanche danger.



Kurth moved to Utah in 2006 and has spent the last 20 years in and around the Wasatch Range. Kurth’s goal as the executive director is simple: reduce accidents and fatalities in Utah’s backcountry. In an interview with KSLNewsRadio  he said, “I’ve spent a number of decades in the outdoor industry working for different brands, and when the opportunity to join the UAC came up, it was kismet.”



The Utah Avalanche center’s primary focus is on avalanche forecasts, safety education and public warnings for skiers, snowboards, hikers, climbers, snowmachine riders, and all other outdoor enthusiast from across the region. Kurth stated that while the total number of people utilizing Utah’s backcountry has increased, the number of avalanche fatalities has not followed the same trajectory. “That means our message is getting out there.” Kurth said.



Kurth went on to stress that while danger in the backcountry can never be completely eliminated, weighing the risk and reducing it as much as possible should be at the top of any backcountry adventure’s mind. “I think any backcountry skier or climber is always kind of assessing the risks and trying to understand what’s the consequence of those risks and how we minimize the danger factor,” he said. “While spending time in the back country, avalanche risk can never be completely eliminated, but it can be managed.”

The Utah Avalanche Center primarily comes into the spotlight after accidents in the backcountry. The organization was responsible for investigating four fatalities last winter alone. The goal of the organization is to reduce fatalities to zero, so it also offers plenty of opportunities to prepare for what one might encounter when out in the wilderness. The Utah Avalanche Center offers an online learning module called “Know Before You Go” that has been translated into 11 different languages. The center also offers Backcountry 101 workshops, online classes, and courses in avalanche rescue. The center also provides daily avalanche forecasts online and on the centers app.



The nonprofit organization derives the majority of its funding through local fundraisers and public donations. The nonprofit’s largest revenue generator, the 33rd Annual Backcountry Benefit, takes place Sept. 10 at the Black Diamond Headquarters. With Kurth now leading the organization, his years of experience in Utah’s backcountry will be invaluable. In addition to his natural instinct, Kurth also plans to reduce fatalities in the backcountry through accurate avalanche forecasts and proper education. The hope is that Utah’s backcountry can be a safer place for all who choose to explore and enjoy it.



 

 

 

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