The Starting Zone: A New Digital Resource for Avalanche Professionals and Advanced Recreationists

The Starting Zone: At the Interface of Avalanche Science and Practice by Karl Birkeland is a digital textbook designed for avalanche professionals and advanced recreationists. The e-book combines current avalanche science with practical application, covering topics such as snow formation in the atmosphere, snow metamorphism, spatial variability, avalanche release, mitigation, and forecasting.

“This multifaceted package makes reading The Starting Zone a very different experience than reading a traditional book. When you buy this book, you’re not really buying a ‘book’ in the traditional sense—you’re buying a resource.”
— Grant Statham

Drawing from the collaborative spirit of the International Snow Science Workshop and the legacy of foundational texts like the Forest Service Avalanche Handbook, The Starting Zone is structured to support both those new to the field and seasoned professionals seeking updated technical knowledge. Its modern format includes interactive features such as embedded videos, animations, hyperlinks to referenced material, and space for personal notes.

Currently, the e-book includes two completed sections:

Avalanche Forecasting (Fall 2025)

Purchasing the e-book grants access to all five sections, with updates delivered automatically via email as new content is added.

“An amazing resource. It’s multimedia because that’s how we learn best.” — Bruce Jamieson

Written by Karl Birkeland—former Director of the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center—the book includes input from leading scientists and practitioners. It is intended to serve as a comprehensive and evolving reference for those involved in understanding, forecasting, and managing avalanche hazards.

The Starting Zone is available for purchase online. To learn more or to access the book, visit the website here.