Matt Primomo NWAC Obituary, Leavenworth WA Accident – Dedicated NWAC Avalanche Specialist Matt Primomo of Leavenworth, Washington has sadly passed away. He died in non-avalanche accident on Thursday 7th March 2024. The new of his passing has left many especially his family and colleagues devastated.
He was announced dead through a Facebook post that says “NWAC is devastated to report the death of one of our Avalanche Forecasters, Matt Primomo. Tragically, Matt passed away in a non-avalanche accident away from work on Thursday, March 7th. Matt has been a key member of the NWAC family since 2017”.
A Passion for Snow
Matt Primomo, a seasoned Avalanche Specialist, has been a part of NWAC since the 2017/18 season. Residing in Leavenworth, he holds the crucial responsibility of crafting avalanche advisories for the East Central, East North, and Stevens Pass zones.
Fascinated by the intricacies of snow and its unique characteristics, Matt delves deep into tracking the ever-evolving snowpack, deciphering winter weather patterns, observing large avalanche cycles, and ensuring the maintenance of weather stations. His passion extends to teaching others about these phenomena.
Professional Journey and Education
With a background spanning over five years as a year-round avalanche professional, Matt has honed his expertise through various roles. He served as an avalanche forecaster with the Utah Department of Transportation and concurrently managed an avalanche program for a small gold mine in Chile during the Southern Hemisphere Winter. Matt’s qualifications underscore his commitment to excellence in avalanche safety.
He is a certified Ski Guide accredited by the American Mountain Guide Association and a Pro Instructor recognized by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Colorado and an associate’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership from Colorado Mountain College.
Diverse Endeavors
In the summertime, Matt transitions into a mountain guide role, collaborating with the Northwest Mountain School and Exum Mountain Guides. Beyond his professional pursuits, he cherishes moments spent in the mountains with his wife, engaging in activities such as climbing and surfing.
At home, he’s either tending to household tasks or indulging in his culinary passion, aspiring to match the Italian cooking prowess of his family. Matt’s entrepreneurial endeavors manifest through his company, Primo Snow and Avalanche, where he dedicates himself to crafting high-quality snow saws.
From his dedication to avalanche safety to his multifaceted interests, Matt Primomo embodies a true mountain enthusiast, leaving an indelible mark on both the professional and recreational spheres of outdoor adventure.
Matt’s professional journey as an avalanche forecaster has been marked by years of hard work, experience, and continuous learning. Whether stationed in remote backcountry outposts or working with research institutions, Matt’s dedication to his craft remains unwavering. He has honed his skills through practical experience, often venturing into treacherous terrain to gather data firsthand.
Commitment to Safety
Above all else, Matt Primomo’s dedication is driven by a profound commitment to safety. Aware of the inherent risks associated with his line of work, he approaches each forecast with meticulous attention to detail and a deep sense of responsibility. Matt understands that his assessments can directly impact the lives of backcountry enthusiasts, ski patrols, and rescue teams, making accuracy paramount.
Community Engagement
Beyond his professional duties, Matt actively engages with the avalanche forecasting community, sharing insights, collaborating on research projects, and mentoring aspiring forecasters. He recognizes the importance of collective knowledge and collaborative efforts in advancing the field of avalanche forecasting.
Adaptability and Resilience
In an environment as dynamic and unpredictable as the mountains, adaptability is key. Matt Primomo’s ability to pivot in the face of changing conditions and his resilience in the wake of setbacks exemplify his dedication to the craft. He approaches each forecast as a learning opportunity, continuously refining his techniques and strategies.