In this podcast, we talk with Blase Reardon. Blase has been a backcountry avalanche forecaster in Ketchum, Aspen, Glacier National Park, and is now the lead forecaster for the Flathead Avalanche Center in northern Montana. Blase joins us to talk about the challenges of forecasting in the various ranges of the West and the different roles and responsibilities that come with each position and each snowpack. 

On tap this episode: forecasting in data-sparse regions; the mysteries of wet snow; Mr. Magoo's close calls, wicked learning environments & the illusion of expertise; the need for increased feedback; The Snowy Torrents; accident reports; the forecaster's role; and how best to progress your backcountry know-how

A few snowy winters in Ohio sparked Blase's passion for snow. After earning a degree in creative writing he fell in with a bad crowd (forecasters and snow rangers) in the Wasatch, which set him on the hunt for avalanches. In his nearly 20 seasons as a forecaster, he has seen the transition from telephone recordings to email to websites to mobile apps and social media. He currently works as Lead Forecaster for the Flathead Avalanche Center. He is Editor Emeritus of The Avalanche Review and is co-authoring a volume of The Snowy Torrents.

Read Blase's article "MR. MAGOO’S, PUCKERFACE AND DEVELOPING EXPERT INTUITION IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN."