We’re Going Through Changes…

As we experience the shifting dynamics of this winter season, we’re reminded of the ever-changing nature of both our mountains and the world around us. Much like the snowpack, which constantly adjusts to shifting weather patterns, we too find ourselves navigating a period of transition. The mountains remain as beautiful, dynamic, and unforgiving as ever—and so do the challenges and opportunities before us.

As a locally-run nonprofit, the West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC) faces unique challenges in providing top-tier avalanche forecasts and education to our growing and diverse community of backcountry users. Unlike other Avalanche Centers, we are not fully funded by a government agency. Instead, we rely on the ongoing support of our community to sustain these critical services.

This model allows us to collaborate directly with you and other members of our community, ensuring that our work targets the most pressing needs while shaping the future of your Avalanche Center. But it also requires a tremendous effort—a small team, working long hours, with limited resources. We’ve always been committed to raising funds that will increase the frequency of avalanche forecasts and eventually achieve full-week coverage. While our forecasters have consistently gone above and beyond with what they have, we are now at a crossroads.

The Little Avalanche Center That Could… Until It Couldn’t

Founded in 2001, the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation (WCMAF) was created to bridge the funding gap between limited U.S. Forest Service support and the resources needed to operate the West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC). Thanks to the dedication and passion of our community, we’ve continued to provide reliable avalanche forecasts, maintain Missoulaavalanche.org, and offer essential avalanche education and safety resources.

However, operating outside the framework of the U.S. Forest Service has always come with its challenges. On September 25th, 2024, we were informed that due to budgetary constraints, the U.S. Forest Service could no longer provide the $40,000 in annual financial support, nor its supplemental vehicle fleet resources—both of which are vital to our operations. This unexpected shortfall threatened our ability to continue providing critical services this winter.

In response, we launched a Membership Program on Missoulaavalanche.org, and as of February 27th, 2025, we have 205 active memberships, generating $2,722.70 in monthly revenue. While this is a promising start, we know that it’s not enough.

Each avalanche forecast requires:

  • 2 Avalanche Forecasters
  • 1 Pro Observer
  • Winter travel on backcountry roads
  • 8-10 hour field days
  • Several hours to review public and volunteer field observations
  • Analysis of current and future weather models
  • Discussions with National Weather Service forecast staff
  • The ability to determine how all the information gathered impacts the avalanche danger for the day

The cost associated with publishing each forecast is approximately $750 this season—and this has only been possible through the support of our Membership Program. The future of our operations depends on expanding this program and rallying support for the Avalanche Center’s mission.

Advocacy on the Outside Makes Advocacy on the Inside Possible

On February 3rd, 2025, we secured a Challenge Cost Share Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, which allows us to issue avalanche information on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season and offers limited vehicle support with up to $40,000 in reimbursement funding for operations through October 1st, 2025. While this is an encouraging step, we remain cautious about our ability to access these funds in the short term. Moreover, the long-term sustainability of executing such agreements in the future remains uncertain.

To ensure the longevity of our services, we’ve established a Capital Campaign Committee tasked with exploring diverse funding sources. While we continue to work toward securing a more stable path forward through a combination of public-private partnerships, grants, sponsorships, and community fundraisers, the ecosystem supporting these efforts is under immense pressure.

Ultimately, the most impactful and immediate solution to our funding challenges comes from the very community we serve. The Avalanche Center has always been—and can continue to be—powered by the passion and generosity of our supporters. Local businesses, outdoor organizations, individual donors, and volunteers all play an essential role in keeping us going. Together, we can fuel the avalanche forecast while building a stronger, safer, and more informed backcountry community.

Heartbreak and Hope

As government funding for nonprofit partners like us continues to shrink, we face a harsh reality: Many nonprofits are already feeling the effects of budget cuts, with some closing their doors or others, like us, being forced to reduce services. We are at a critical juncture—balancing what’s achievable today and what we need to secure the future of your Avalanche Center. It’s a delicate position, and it’s one that requires all of us to lean in and help.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Fundraisers, industry support, and community events are crucial, but they cannot fill the void left by the loss of long-standing agency partnerships. That’s why we need your help more than ever.

If you value the services we provide and want to help us continue serving you this winter and beyond, here are five immediate actions you can take to make a critical difference:

Here’s How You Can Make a Difference:

  1. 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 the needs of our expanding backcountry community.
  2. Donate: Every dollar makes a direct impact, helping us provide life-saving avalanche forecasts, vital education programs, and essential backcountry safety resources.
  3. 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 and the community.
  4. Attend Events: Join us at community pint nights, membership events, and avalanche education events. Your participation helps amplify our collective voice and fuels the work that drives our mission forward.
  5. Submit Observations: Your avalanche, snowpack, and weather observations are extremely valuable to the West Central Montana Avalanche Center Forecasters. If you travel in the backcountry please consider helping us by submitting your observations through the website.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support is what allows us to continue doing what we do best—keeping our backcountry community safe, informed, and prepared to enjoy the mountains.

With gratitude,

Patrick Black

Executive Director

West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation