Northwest Mountaineering Journal

Just saw a post over on OffPisteMag.com that the newest issue of the Northwest Mountaineering Journal is out. If you haven’t seen it, the NWMJ is an incredible collection of reports, articles, history and photos from the mountains of the Northwest, all in a clean online layout. In this issue, Summer 2008, editorial team leader Lowell Skoog writes,

“...This issue of the Northwest Mountaineering Journal offers several perspectives on today’s wilderness. Blake Herrington, who worked in Stehekin during summers in high school and college, describes adventurous new climbs in the heart of the “Wilderness Alps of Stehekin.” Articles by Ed Cooper and about the Firey family capture the flavor of Northwest mountaineering from the 1950s through 1970s. Modern tales by Steph Abegg and Pat Gallagher explore seldom-visited corners of the Olympics and North Cascades. And finally, as road and trail washouts haphazardly make the wilderness more remote, Leor Pantilat shows how, with a pair of running shoes and a fresh attitude, it is possible to bring the mountains almost unbelievably closer.”

There are a number of interesting ski endeavors in the Short Reports section, but the most compelling piece is the review of the 0708 season’s deadly toll of avalanches, which struck the outdoor community particularly hard in the Northwest. Author Garth Ferber presents each accident summary with weather and scene reports, as well as great information on the trends of snowpack, issued avalanche warnings, and awareness of avalanche resources in the Northwest like NWAC. It’s a chilling reminder as the ski dreams start of the risk and consequences of our sport and the importance of continued education.