Each winter, the snowpack tells a story — a narrative shaped by every storm, wind event, and temperature change. This is the story of the snowpack, shared with communities across the mountains.
State of the Snowpack (SOTS) bridges the gap between Avalanche Canada’s regional forecasts and the local snowpack knowledge shared by guides and avalanche professionals. Together, we bring clear, accessible, and locally relevant snowpack information to the public.
Our vision is simple: reduce backcountry avalanche incidents through community connection, education, and shared expertise — helping more people make informed decisions and return home safely each day.
SOTS delivers this knowledge through free, community-based avalanche awareness events held in mountain towns across Canada. Join us this season as we share the story of the snowpack in your community.
Jeff is an avalanche professional with a rich and varied background in avalanche forecasting, ski guiding, search and rescue, outdoor education, and production work. Now entering his tenth season with the BC Ministry of Transportation’s Coast/Chilcotin Avalanche and Weather Program, Jeff plays a key role in monitoring and managing the snowpack along Duffey Lake Road.
Whether he's analyzing snow layers or chasing fresh lines, Jeff brings deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and contagious enthusiasm to everything he does. He’s passionate about sharing what he’s learned and connecting with others who love the mountains, and yes, just like the rest of us, he’s always down to surf some pow.
Guest Speaker: Phil Bonham
Case Study: Spring Snowpack - Changes, Avalanche Cycles, Exposure Mitigation Strategies & Mindset
Phil has been working as a professional ski patroller on Whistler Mountain since 2014 and spent 4 of those seasons living in his van. He now assists with the forecasting team on Whistler as well as with Squamish SAR and has started instructing for RECCO. He is stoked to share his knowledge and experience at Whistler's new SOTS series.
