Speakers: Evan Kutta, NWS Science and Operations Officer, and Jason Laney, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist

Abstract: Imagine forecasting weather for a place where a single mistake can mean the difference between an unforgettable triumph and an absolute tragedy. Rising 20,310 feet into the subarctic sky, Mount McKinley (locally referred to as Denali) stands as North America’s ultimate mountaineering test, drawing roughly 1,000 to 1,200 ambitious climbers to its slopes every single year. Yet, the mountain is unforgiving: only about 52% of those who attempt the summit ever stand at the top, and in particularly brutal seasons—like the tragic summer of 1992 when 11 climbers perished—Denali serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate stakes involved.

This presentation pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of the National Weather Service (NWS) Fairbanks Denali Climbing Forecast. Discover the immense scientific and logistical challenges of predicting extreme weather for a massive, remote peak where traditional data is nearly non-existent, forcing meteorologists to rely on a sparse network of automated weather stations, satellite soundings, and real-time ranger dispatches. You will also learn how this lifesaving data is distilled into clear, non-technical updates and transmitted to the mountain via satellite phones, public radio, and hand-written whiteboards at isolated high-altitude camps. Join us to explore how a dedicated team of NWS Fairbanks forecasters acts as a critical lifeline, mapping out precious “weather windows” that allow climbers to conquer the peak safely and return home.

Bios: Evan Kutta is the Science and Operations Officer (SOO) at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Fairbanks, Alaska. He leads scientific training and research, integrating technological and scientific advancements into daily operations to enhance local forecasting. Evan earned a B.S. in Meteorology, an M.S. in Water Resources, and a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from the University of Missouri. He began his NWS career in Marquette, Michigan, before transitioning to his current role as Fairbanks SOO in 2024.

Jason Laney is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) at the NWS in Fairbanks, Alaska, serving as the primary liaison between the office and the community. He collaborates with emergency managers, media, and public officials to ensure regional preparedness and the effective communication of life-saving warnings. Jason earned his B.S. in Meteorology at the University of Louisiana in Monroe. Following a 22-year career in broadcast meteorology, Jason joined the NWS in El Paso, Texas, where he served as WCM before assuming the same position in Fairbanks in 2024.