A new season brings new beginnings
As we reflect on a successful winter operating season, it is bittersweet for the West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC) to announce that Travis Craft is retiring and moving on
Big St. Joe avalanche case study part 2
This is the second of three articles in the case study of an avalanche accident that happened on Big St. Joseph Peak on Sunday, January 3, 2021. The first article
Big St. Joe Avalanche Case Study Part 1
On January 3rd of 2021, two experienced skiers triggered an avalanche on the east face of St. Joseph Peak. One skier was caught and carried 300’. Luckily, he skied off
Beacon Training Parks | west-central Montana
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,
Loving La Niña | Happening Now!
WINTER IS BACK, AND WE’RE LOVING LA NIÑA! You’ve prayed, hoped, and danced for snow all winter, and it’s finally here! Western Montana’s mountains are busier than ever before, with
An Extended Column Test (ECT) | Refresher
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
Pray for Snow
Winter has arrived, and rallying in support of your avalanche center has gone virtual. Don’t despair; the Pray for Snow tradition is alive and well! While we won’t be gathering
Missoula Gives | Today & Tomorrow!
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
Black Swans vs. Grey Rhinos | Collective Responsibilities and Public Observations
It isn’t hyperbole to assert that the current COVID19 world health crisis is profoundly affecting every single one of us. For some, there are worries about losing family members or
