Also called: Snow Safety Specialist
Predicts avalanche danger for backcountry skiers, ski resorts, and highways.
Before dawn, you ski or snowmobile into the mountains, dig snow pits to study the layers, and publish the daily avalanche forecast. Some forecasters trigger controlled avalanches with explosives.
Often seasonal; many combine with other mountain work.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. AIARE or American Avalanche Association professional training plus years of mountain experience; many have science degrees.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Geography, Snow Science, Outdoor Recreation.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Low risk for 10 years. Digging snow pits in the backcountry and making daily danger calls are hands-on mountain work.
Classes: Earth science, Physics, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4099.
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