Utah — The Utah Avalanche Center has appointed Nazz Kurth as its new executive director, marking a significant leadership development for one of the region’s key resources dedicated to avalanche forecasting and backcountry safety. Kurth, a longtime resident with deep ties to Utah’s outdoor community, steps into the role amid renewed focus on avalanche education and nonprofit sustainability.

Leadership Transition Signals New Chapter

Following the recent departure of the previous director in April, the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) welcomed Kurth in June. With an extensive background in outdoor recreation leadership, Kurth brings both professional expertise and a personal passion for backcountry skiing. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for avalanche awareness in Utah, as recreation in the Wasatch and neighboring mountain ranges continues to grow.

Expanding Mission of Avalanche Awareness

Originally from New Hampshire, Kurth has made Utah home and aligns closely with the center’s core mission: raising avalanche awareness, providing comprehensive avalanche education, and producing reliable avalanche forecasts. As executive director, he aims to bolster programs such as the Know Before You Go campaign, which sets global benchmarks for safety education and reaches hundreds annually across Utah.

Ensuring Financial Sustainability as a Nonprofit

Operating as a nonprofit organization in partnership with the US Forest Service, the UAC depends on community support for the majority of its operations. With approximately 75% of its annual revenue coming from donations, Kurth is prioritizing efforts to secure sustainable funding for ongoing research and improved avalanche forecasting. Upcoming fundraising events, such as the Backcountry Benefit in September, offer opportunities for the public to become more involved and ensure the organization’s longevity.

Community Engagement and Local Impact

The Utah Avalanche Center serves as a vital resource for local recreationists, guiding both seasoned and novice backcountry users in safe mountain travel. Through extensive outreach—ranging from in-person classes to digital resources—the center continues to make avalanche education accessible statewide. Kurth has called on the Utah community to participate in available programs, emphasizing the shared responsibility of backcountry safety. The center’s website remains a hub for specialized courses and up-to-date avalanche forecasts, supporting public preparedness in the region.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Kurth inherits an experienced and dedicated team at the Utah Avalanche Center, recognized for their scientific rigor in avalanche forecasting and commitment to avalanche awareness. Under his guidance, the organization plans to expand partnerships and evolve its safety initiatives. This commitment underscores the center’s longstanding collaboration with the US Forest Service and reinforces its role as a leader in national avalanche safety standards.

Looking Ahead for Utah Outdoor Enthusiasts

As backcountry skiing and other forms of winter recreation continue to flourish in Utah, the need for proactive avalanche education and support has never been greater. The Utah Avalanche Center, now under Kurth’s leadership, remains committed to serving outdoor enthusiasts and safeguarding those who venture into the state’s iconic terrain. Local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to contribute to ongoing efforts by engaging in programs, supporting the nonprofit organization, and attending key fundraising events.