As summer turns to fall, Nazz Kurth is preparing for the upcoming winter.
Kurth is the Utah Avalanche Center’s new executive director.
The New Hampshire native moved to Utah 20 years ago. He began his career as a climbing guide before transitioning to outdoor industry leadership roles.
Kurth said the center’s public safety mission drew him to the role.
“The Utah Avalanche Center is focused on saving lives,” Kurth said on KPCW’s “Local News Hour” Aug. 20. “And so they do that through avalanche forecasting, awareness and education. And that was a really compelling thing for me.”
Kurth said he’s relied on the center’s forecasts to safely navigate the backcountry for years. Now, he wants to help others access that information.
“I’ve used the UAC’s forecast every day during the winter for the last 20 years, and to be on the other side and to see the support that the community provides is really impactful,” he said. “I’ve been delightfully surprised at how many people come up and say, ‘We love what you do, and we want to continue to support it.’”
As executive director, Kurth will ensure the center continues to provide accurate avalanche forecasts, community awareness and backcountry education programs. His top priority is outreach.
“Letting people know that they can get the forecast through our website, through our app, as well as calling in and text as well,” he said. “So, we try and make the information as accessible as possible.”
He said forecasters begin work before dawn each day, reviewing weather data and field observations to publish the avalanche safety reports.
“We’ve seen probably you know a 10x increase in the number of backcountry travelers, both mechanized and human powered,” Kurth said. “So, ensuring that people understand where they should be touring and when, and also assessing the risk is really important for us.”
Kurth says he’s cautiously optimistic about forecasts calling for a strong Super El Niño this winter. Avalanche conditions depend on how the snowpack develops.
The Utah Avalanche Center will host its 33rd annual Backcountry Benefit at Black Diamond HQ in Salt Lake Sept. 10.
