The Center for Snow & Avalanche Studies enhances the interdisciplinary investigation of the snow system's behavior and role in human/environment relationships by offering resources -- people, information, and facilities -- for field-based research and education.
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Don Bachman brings a forty-plus-year career as a snow and avalanche professional to the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies. His early experience on Berthoud Pass positioned him squarely amidst the 'golden age' of American ski area snow-safety program development led, at first, by the United States Forest Service and, eventually, handed off to the private sector. He also diversified his portfolio beyond ski area management by applying his hazard analysis and avalanche reduction skills to transportation corridors, industrial settings, and international skiing competitions in Alaska , Wyoming , and Colorado . Don participated in the legendary Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research 'San Juan Project', based in Silverton, as an in-house avalanche forecaster from 1971-1975. He quickly emerged as a valued instructor for the annual National Avalanche School , as well as for private avalanche education programs, and was a founding member of the American Avalanche Association. Based on his considerable experience, his strong relationships among the American and international community of snow workers and professional organizations, and his effectiveness as a spokesperson for the American avalanche practitioner community, Don also served as the first Executive Director of the American Avalanche Association, from 1997-2001, and later as the lead forecaster for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center/CDOT Silverton, CO program.
Now quasi-retired from active snow work, and living in Bozeman, Montana, Don is actively engaged in Western conservation issues but continues to monitor daily changes in weather and avalanche conditions and, most importantly, lend his considerable snow-world and organizational know-how to the CSAS, as its President.