ALASKA AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER INC
Live to Ride Another Day
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Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Alaska ranks number one in the nation per capita for avalanche and snowmobile related injuries and fatalities. We are working to address this problem by providing critical information for those who travel and recreate in remote and mountainous regions of Alaska. We do this by supporting local, regional avalanche information centers who conduct snow forecasting, education and research.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Forecast Centers
AAIC maintains four forecast centers in Alaska including: Haines, Valdez, Fairbanks and Cordova.
Avalanche Consulting
Provide avalanche consulting services for individuals or companies who work or operate in avalanche terrain. Our team can help to educate workers and provide current, relevant snow conditions in order to help mitigate risk.
Avalanche Education
Providing avalanche awareness education programs that range from basic awareness to certification courses from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education Level 1 and 2 and Instructor Training
Community Outreach
Providing programs for schools across Alaska
Where we work
External reviews
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Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our goal is to establish and support at least five to eight sustainable avalanche centers in Alaska where the general public typically travels and recreates. We continue to provide annual avalanche professional development and research opportunities for those working in the snow safety field as well as numerous education opportunities for the general public. We strive to partner and network with other avalanche safety professionals and companies as well as the State of Alaska in our efforts to provide a quality, professional avalanche forecast network of information and forecasting services for our state.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our strategy is to host an annual snow safety summit in Alaska that brings professionals together to network, submit research data and further the efforts of snow safety in Alaska. In addition, we continue to seek supporters and donors to help sustain and promote the services provided by the AAIC network of avalanche centers. We participate in continuing development opportunities with national agencies including the American Avalanche Association and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. We also conduct scientific research and publish the results of our work in international publications and at events such as the International Snow Science Workshop held every two-years. We also work to network with other agencies in Alaska that work in the field of avalanche education and forecasting to expand services for the general public.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Our agency has a team of 12 professional snow forecasters and educators ready, willing and able to respond to requests for consulting services, education and training opportunities and emergency response in the event of an avalanche. Our team is equipped with avalanche safety equipment including ropes, shovels, probes, avalanche transceivers and emergency medical expertise. Our team is willing and able to travel to all regions within Alaska or outside of Alaska by request.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
We support five forecast centers who provide services for Alaskans. We provide contract services for companies such as Copper Valley Electric, City of Valdez, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, University of Alaska and Tailgate Alaska. We have been awarded grants from the City of Haines, City of Valdez and the Alaska Department of Public Safety. We have been recognized for our efforts by the Alaska Governor's Safety Committee with the special achievement award in 2012, 2014 and 2016. We continually strive to become sustainable by offering fee for services, and developing educational programs that generate revenue. We have published multiple research 'White Papers' and presented at the International Snow Science Workshop. We continue to make progress with networking across Alaska among avalanche professionals and have held or participated in snow science workshops or summits since 2008.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
ALASKA AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER INC
Board of directorsas of 01/26/2024
Mr. Hank Statscewich
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Term: 2019 - 2025
Steve Witose
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Hank Statscewich
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Rich Loftin
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Andy Hedden
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Scott Doddridge
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No