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About David

PNSAA Safety Video

Our Instructors

Rob Gibson

Rob began his avalanche career in the 1979-80 season with the Alpental Pro Patrol. He was a full time Pro Patroller through 1991. From 1992 to 2006, he worked full time as a WSDOT Avalanche Forecaster for Snoqualmie and Chinook Passes. he also continued as a full time Ski Patroller during that same period. Rob spent 5 opposing seasons as a Patroller/Avalanche Forecaster in New Zealand at Mr. Ruapehu in the 1980's and 1990's. Since 2007 he has been employed full time as Patrol Director/Risk Manager at Snoqualmie Pass. Rob also works as an avalanche dog handler and is a professional memember of the Alpental Back Country Avalanche Rescue Dogs Association.

John Stimberis

John's interest in environmental issues, natural systems, mapping ad the newly-developed field of geographical information systems (GIS) led to a degree in Geography and Enviromental Science from Central Washington Universtiy in 1992. He also studied art with photography being the main focus of his interest.

John has worked with the Alpental Patrol doing avalanche patrols and as a full time Sku Patroller since 1990. He has spent many summers hiking the trails of the Alpine Lakes wilderness area for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1999, John joined the WSDOT Avalanche Forecasting and Control Program for the clearing on Chinook Pass. He then moved to year-round work for WSDOT, where he is currently Supervisor for the Avalanche Forecasting and Control Programs.

John has a keen interest in teaching avalanche safety. He has taught avalanche courses and given talks about avalanche phenomenon for more than a dozen years. He is currently a Level I-II Course Leader for AIARE and is also certified as an Avalanche Instructor by the American Avalanche Association. In addition, John conducts avalanche research with the Geology Department of at CWU and is the current Vice President of the American Avalanche Association. He lives with his lovely wifre in Ellensburg. When not on the snow, John enjoys running and live music.

Corey Rubinfled

Corey has taught safety workshops for the Foundation since its inception. He received his degree in physical geography and geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he started teaching avalanche classes. He now has over 10 years experience teaching avalanche classes, and is a Lead Instructor for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education for both Level 1 and Level 2 avalanche courses.

Core has taught geology and physical science in high school and for the last 8 years has been a program manager for Outward Bound, taking students on lengthy trips in the wilderness and teaching outdoor and human leadership skills. He has worked as a Helicopter Ski Guide in Valdez, Alaska, as a field observer for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and as a Research Scientist for the Army Corps of Engineers in their Cold regions Research and Engineering Laborator in Hanover, New Hampshire.

The last 8 years, Core has worekd the winter months as a Ski Patroller at Stevens Pass, has held positions as Medical Trainer for the Ptarol and has taught in-house avalanche classes for patroller and the public.