This 2-day course will focus on weather forecasting in Alaska. It will benefit anyone with an interest in understanding the weather better, and being able to making their own forecasts. Weather forecasting in the mountains of Alaska during the winter is the primary emphasis. This course begins with an overview of basic meteorology, as a foundation for understanding of how the atmosphere works. Orographic effects and how the mountains interact with weather systems will be explored in-depth. Students will learn how to read and interpret all pertinent weather maps and computer models, with an emphasis on products specific to Alaska. There will be map reading and forecasting exercises each day to give students as much hands-on experience as possible.

Presentations in the classroom will be supplemented by “live” looks at weather maps via the Internet. A mountain weather forecasting workbook and other supplemental materials are included for each student in this course.

Instructor Jim Woodmencey is the owner of www.mountainweather.com and a renowned meterologist. He has a BS Meteorology from Montana State University an has been forecasting the weather in Jackson Hole & the Teton Mountains since 1991. He also forecasts for climbing expeditions worldwide. He travels the world for Mountain Weather Forecasting Courses & is a Certified Avalanche Instructor.