Ken Bokelund

Ken Bokelund

Ken Bokelund’s career in avalanche mitigation and risk management spans over three decades, commencing with ski patrolling at Homewood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe in 1990. In 1992, he transitioned to Alpine Meadows Professional Ski Patrol, culminating in his retirement as Ski Patrol Director in 2022. Over the years, Ken attained a Level 3 Avalanche Certificate. He became a Certified Avalanche Instructor recognized by the American Avalanche Association. He led and trained the High Angle Rescue Team, served as a master gunner in the Avalauncher and Artillery programs, and held the crucial position of Route Leader for all 25 Alpine Meadows avalanche mitigation routes. Notably, Ken’s tenure also encompassed a decade-long commitment to the Avalanche Rescue Dog Program alongside his trusty companion, Lilly, and he was a leader in the development of the Alpine Meadows R.A.C.S. system currently in operation. Additionally, he lent his expertise as a helicopter ski guide for Ruby Mountain Heli Ski for two seasons. Ken’s knowledge and experience were further showcased in his role as an expert witness, where he played a vital part in successfully defending Mount Rose Ski Area in a lawsuit concerning an avalanche fatality. Presently, Ken serves as a trainer for the Avalanche Artillery Users of North American Committee (AAUNAC), instructing on the use of howitzers for avalanche mitigation. He is also an integral member of the avalanche mitigation team safeguarding the Union Pacific Rail Line, under the leadership of Mark O’Geen.

Staff
Dave Hamre
Founder/Owner/Senior Consultant
After a year on the ski patrol, Hamre was awarded the new position of Snow Safety Director at Alta, UT, in 1972.  He was then 20 years old. After 5 years at Alta, he set his sights farther north, first… (Read more)
Don Sharaf
Avalanche Risk Consultant - Lead
Working for David Hamre and Associates LLC presents the perfect opportunity for Don to draw on his 30+ years as an avalanche professional.  Years of glacier mountaineering and backcountry ski guiding led into over 20 years of mechanized ski guiding… (Read more)
Aleph Johnston-Bloom
Avalanche Risk Consultant - Lead
Aleph is an avalanche risk consultant living in Girdwood, Alaska. Prior to joining David Hamre and Associates in 2022, she worked locally forecasting for the Chugach Electric Association powerline for a season and for six seasons as the Lead forecaster… (Read more)
Adam Clark
Burlington-Northern Avalanche Program Manager
Adam is a mountain professional based in Whitefish, MT where he leads the BNSF Railway Avalanche Program. He also works as researcher with the USGS Glaciology Program and as a professional mountain guide. Adam has a lifelong passion for the… (Read more)
Mark O'Geen
Union Pacific Avalanche Program Manager and Avalanche Risk Consultant
Mark grew up in the Sierra Foothills and developed a love for skiing and rivers as a youngster. He obtained a business degree from Washington State University and headed for Utah to work in the ski Industry. His fascination with… (Read more)
Ted Steiner
Burlington-Northern Avalanche Program Assistant Manager and Avalanche Risk Consultant
Richard (Ted) Steiner has been working in the avalanche safety arena as a practitioner since the mid-80s.  He began consulting with David Hamre & Associates in 2005 and since that time has assisted with the design and operation of various… (Read more)
Andrew Schauer
Avalanche Risk Consultant
Andrew has worked in the avalanche industry for the past 7 years as a backcountry avalanche forecaster, educator, and guide in Alaska and Montana. He earned a Master’s degree from the Snow and Avalanche Lab at Montana State University and… (Read more)
Onno Wieringa
Avalanche Risk Consultant
Onno Wieringa was born in Conrad Montana and graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Commerce in 1972.  During college Onno was a part-time ski patroller at Bridger Bowl and worked with Duane Bowles, Jim Kanzler, Terry Onslow, … (Read more)
Beth Cleary
Avalanche Risk Consultant
Beth graduated from Alaska Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Studies. During her time at APU, her studies focused on Snow and Avalanche Science. Beth worked for Alaska Mountaineering School for 10 years. She guided over a… (Read more)