The US Forest Service recently informed us that, due to budgetary constraints, they can no longer provide the financial and vehicle support essential to our operations. This sudden loss of backing comes at a time when winter recreation in west-central Montana is at an all-time high.

We now face a significant funding gap just as the 2024/2025 winter season approaches—a time when accurate forecasts, robust education programs, and reliable online resources are more critical than ever. Without immediate community support, our ability to deliver these services will be severely compromised.

Why It Matters: Keeping Our Community Safe

The Avalanche Center’s work goes beyond predicting avalanche conditions—it’s fundamentally about protecting lives.

As winter recreation grows, more people are venturing into remote, avalanche-prone areas. While modern technology allows for deeper exploration of the backcountry, it also intensifies the need for reliable avalanche information and education.

Our forecasts and education programs are vital in helping individuals make informed, life-saving decisions. Without the resources to sustain our operations, we risk leaving our expanding backcountry community without the tools needed for safe mountain travel.

This is a public safety issue that impacts everyone we serve, and it’s a challenge we must face together.

Call to Action: How You Can Help

We’re reaching out to our entire community for support during this critical time. Your past contributions have been invaluable, and now, more than ever, we need to come together to ensure that the Avalanche Center remains fully operational.

Here’s How You Can Make a Difference:

  • Become a Member: Support our mission by joining our membership program. Members receive exclusive event invitations, seasonal newsletters, discounts, and additional online resources—all while directly contributing to the Avalanche Center’s services and supporting the needs of our expanding backcountry community.
  • Donate: Every dollar has a direct impact, helping us provide life-saving avalanche forecasts, vital education programs, and crucial backcountry safety resources. 
  • Spread the Word: Share our story and encourage others to get involved. The more people who understand the urgent need for Avalanche Center funding, the better our chances of continuing to serve you this winter and beyond.
  • Attend Events: Join us at community pint nights, membership drives, and avalanche awareness events. Your participation amplifies our collective voice and fuels the work that advances our mission.

The Future: A Vision of Hope

Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful. Our backcountry community has always been passionate and resilient, and with your continued support, we know we can overcome these obstacles.

Our vision for this winter and beyond is to continue providing the life-saving avalanche forecasts and educational resources that our community relies on. Together, we can ensure the West Central Montana Avalanche Center remains a trusted resource for everyone who ventures into the mountains.

Your support—whether through a donation, membership, or simply spreading the word—will help keep our backcountry community safe and informed. Together, we can safeguard these essential services and ensure that the West Central Montana Avalanche Center continues to serve our community for years to come.

Thank you for standing with us.