As the mantra goes: Practice makes perfect. The ability to respond successfully in an avalanche boils down to training and knowing how to use your equipment: a beacon, probe, and shovel. Beacon Training Parks provide users of all ages, abilities, and experience levels with an opportunity to hone...
If I am going to do just one test, I do an extended column test (ECT). It gives me some information on the strength of a weak layer, but most importantly, the likelihood of propagation. It is a simple test. A column 30cm (12”) by 90cm (36”) is...
What is SWE? SWE stands for Snow Water Equivalent. What it measures is the amount of liquid water in the snow. If you took a height of snow and melted it, the height of the water created is SWE. For example, if 10″ of snow falls at 10% density,...
Dear Friends, These are challenging times, and as a community-powered organization, we depend on you to make avalanche forecasts and educational programs possible. This year, more than ever, avalanche forecasting and education funding are uncertain. We expect reduced funding this year to impact us next season, and we are...
Dear Friends, We at Missoula Avalanche recognize the growing uncertainty that you are facing right now and share your concern. Please know that we are committed to helping you stay safe and wish everyone the best during these challenging times. As a public safety organization, our top priority is...
Avalanche conditions from January 11th until January 24th have been at considerable danger, trending towards moderate danger. We are currently most concerned with persistent weak layers, failing near the ground on depth hoar and facets. The second problematic persistent weak layer is a combination buried surface hoar, near-surface facets, and crusts. This weak layer is found at different...
Charge down to the Rhino and help support your local avalanche center – Missoula Avalanche. The Rhino has teamed up with Rebel Yell Kentucky Whiskey and PBR to help support Missoula Avalanche with the raffle of an amazing prize package. Each raffle ticket includes a shot of Rebel...
Preliminary Report of Lake Dinah Avalanche Accident On January 01, 2020, at approximately 1400hrs, three snowmobilers were involved in an avalanche approximately 1 mile NW of Lake Dinah, 12 miles NW of Seeley Lake, MT. The riders were caught and carried a short distance, two were fully buried, and...
WCMAC forecasters are in the field analyzing how recent storm snow is gaining strength, tracking where the wind is drifting snow and keeping a close eye on buried persistent weak layers. This Thursday 1/10/19 from 6 – 8 PM at Big Sky Brewing, they will return from a day in...
Looking to become more familiar with avalanche awareness information or brush up on key safety points before heading into the backcountry? Check out the new Know Before You Go (KBYG) e-learning program from the Utah Avalanche Center. This free interactive learning platform is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about...
We are excited to partner with the Mountain Riding Lab again this year to provide high-quality motorized level 1 courses designed specifically for snowmobilers and snow bikers. These courses focus on developing a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and how it applies it to mountain riding. Grab your riding...
Backcountry Magazine | Press Release: ORTOVOX ISSUES RECALL OF 3+ AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS RUNNING SOFTWARE VERSION 2.1
Each US Avalanche Center is supported by an affiliated nonprofit entity, or friends group. In essence, the center provides the structure and technical know-how and the non-profit entity engages in fundraising and outreach. Nationwide, more than 50% of avalanche center operational costs are covered by community donations and other...
Education | Fundraising | General | Snowpack | Weather
Avalanche forecasters play a critical role in protecting the public and raising avalanche awareness by communicating the potential for avalanches to cause harm or injury to backcountry travelers. West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC) forecasters work to keep you informed of the danger avalanches pose by gathering as much information as possible from...
Generating backcountry travel plans without avalanche center forecast information requires knowledge of weather events. Review snotel data for current snow totals and weather station data for temperatures, wind trends, and speeds. With these tools, you can get an idea of the avalanche problems you could encounter on your trip and choose appropriate terrain...
Education | Fundraising | Snowpack | Weather
This Thursday evening, February 22nd from 6-8 pm, Big Sky Brewing will be hosting our Beers With Your Avalanche Forecaster finale! In an ongoing effort to help us make the Montana backcountry a safer place, Big Sky Brewing is donating event proceeds to the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation....
Grab your riding buddies and get trained! Spots still available for the upcoming Mechanized Snowmachine | Avalanche Level 1 Course Dates: 2.23.18 – 2.25.18 Register Now & Secure Your Spot! Details & Registration | Link
The course is taught from a mechanized snowmachine perspective by certified avalanche instructors with 20+ years of mountain riding experience and excellent avalanche education skills. The course is designed for recreational riders, guides, and search and rescue teams. Participants will focus on how to avoid being caught in avalanche situations...
Many avalanche victims don’t know they are in avalanche danger and are unprepared to deal with an avalanche. This doesn’t have to happen – the danger signs are usually obvious to those who know what to look for. Just as those in Hawaii learn about the dangers of rip...
We are excited to offer new avalanche education offerings developed specifically for snowmobilers and mechanized mountain riders. These courses are taught from a mechanized perspective by certified avalanche instructors with 20+ years of mountain riding experience and excellent avalanche education skills. These courses are designed for recreational riders, guides, and...
Has it been a while since you took your Level 1 Avalanche Course? The Level 1 Refresher Course is a great opportunity for refining your skills and catching up on best practices for decision making in avalanche terrain. Check out the upcoming Level 1 Refresher Course while spots are...
Education | Fundraising | General | Mechanized | Snowpack | Weather
It’s winter in western Montana and we’re headed into the backcountry. In an effort to make Montana’s winter playground a safer place, Big Sky Brewing is hosting Beers With Your Forecaster. This event is a great opportunity to gain insight on current snow conditions and learn about what goes into generating...
In conjunction with UM Campus Recreation, the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation is hosting a free two-part Mountain Weather lecture series. Featuring guest speaker, LeeAnn Allegretto, NOAA Meteorologist and Avalanche Program Leader from the National Weather Service. Both sections are open to the public and will be held in the...
Education | General | Mechanized | Snowpack | Weather
Courses are filling fast! Check out Registration/Details
AVALANCHE AWARENESS LECTURE – Tonight! Time: 6pm Location: North Underground Lecture Hall 101, UM Campus Cost: FREE Join Josh Tapp, Avalanche Education Coordinator from the West Central Montana Avalanche Center for an introduction to avalanche awareness and safety. The presentation will include video, slides, discussion and Q&A session. Topics covered will...
The American Avalanche Association is currently updating the standards of education in the U.S. The new changes are going into effect for the 17/18 season. Some of the key changes are the division of professional and recreational tracks for level 1 and level 2 classes. If you are a...
The West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation would like to reiterate its sincere thanks to Gull Boats & RV for their continued support of avalanche safety, awareness and education. With over 400 in attendance, Mike Duffy delivered an outstanding snowmobile avalanche awareness and skills introduction. We are excited to have Mike back...
Missoula Avalanche presents the 12th Annual Pray For Snow Party!! Join your friends on Friday October 5th from 5:30pm – 10:30pm at Caras Park in downtown Missoula to Celebrate the upcoming frosty time of year! This year’s fundraiser brings great music from Jameson and the Sorrid Seeds, 2 giant...
In conjunction with U of M Campus Recreation we will be hosting a free Mountain Weather Class. Featuring guest speaker, LeeAnne Allegretto, Meteorologist and Avalanche Program Leader from The National Weather Service. The class will be in the North Urey Underground Lecture Hall from 600pm -800pm Part 1 on January 12...
