❄️ February 2026 Newsletter

Although we experienced an unseasonably warm and dry stretch, the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation has been hard at work supporting avalanche education and avalanche forecasting across all forecast zones for everyone who lives, works, and plays in our region.

With an active weather pattern on the horizon, we are excited to welcome winter back while continuing to equip you with the avalanche information and education you need to make informed decisions, stay safe, and enjoy everything the winter backcountry has to offer.

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🛍️ New Merchandise

We have restocked our branded Voile ski straps and added new Jack’s Plastic Welding tote bags to the lineup.

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🍺 Highlander Brewing Pint Night

We are teaming up with Highlander Brewing for a special pint night:

Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Highlander Beer | Missoula, MT

Highlander will donate a portion of the evening’s beverage sales to the Avalanche Center.

We will also have:

• Limited edition Avalanche Center pint glasses
• A raffle with fantastic prizes
• A State of the Snowpack presentation from our forecasters
• Jack’s Plastic Welding totes available for purchase

This event is free and open to the public.

👉 Learn more and add it to your calendar here

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📚 Education

There is still time to register for an avalanche education course. While it may be dry in the valley, there is still plenty of snow in the mountains, and February is a great time to sharpen your skills.

We are a recognized American Avalanche Association (A3) provider and offer courses for every experience level.

Upcoming Courses:

• February 17  |  Avalanche Level 1  |  Rattlesnake Wilderness
• February 24  |  Avalanche Level 1  |  Lost Trail Pass Backcountry

👉 View all courses and register here

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🎉 Events

This winter, we are hosting a series of fun and educational community events. These gatherings are a great way to meet fellow backcountry travelers, share winter stoke, and support the Avalanche Center.

Upcoming Events:

• Thursday, February 19  |  Highlander Brewing Pint Night  |  Missoula  |  5:00 to 8:00 PM
• Thursday, March 12  |  Mapping Workshop  |  Missoula  |  5:00 to 8:00 PM

👉 View all events and details here

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🤝 Membership

Join our membership program to support our mission and strengthen the Avalanche Center’s services for our expanding community.

By becoming a member, you play a vital role in sustaining avalanche forecasting and education across west central Montana. Together, we can ensure these essential services continue for years to come.

👉 Become a member here

👉 Update your membership amount or payment method by logging into your account here

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📝 Submit an Observation

Help our forecasters by submitting observations whenever you head into the mountains. No snow science background required.

Helpful observations include:

• Inches of snow that accumulated on your vehicle
• Temperature and time of day during your outing
• Photos of what you are seeing
• Notes or photos of any signs of instability

Ideally, observations are submitted the same day they are gathered. Snow, weather, and avalanche conditions are dynamic, and timely reports are the most valuable.

👉 Submit an observation here

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🙏 Thank You

Thank you for being part of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center community.

As we continue issuing regular forecasts across the Rattlesnake, Bitterroot, and Seeley Lake zones, we are deeply grateful for the support that makes this work possible. Whether you became a member, made a donation, attended an event, took a course, or shared our work with others, your involvement directly strengthens avalanche forecasting, education, and public safety across our region.

Please keep the snow dances going, keep submitting observations when you are out, and stay engaged with the courses, events, and resources that help keep our backcountry community informed and prepared.

We could not do this work without you.

With gratitude,
West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation
Board of Directors