Avalanche Centers Under Threat Due to USFS Hiring Freeze

The United States Forest Service (USFS) plays a crucial role in managing public lands, including a formal agreement with the American Avalanche Association (A3) to provide avalanche forecasting programs that help keep backcountry skiers and mountaineers safe. Unfortunately, the spending bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives gave the agency around $500 million less than requested. This means that the USFS, within the Department of Agriculture, faces a significant budget cut.

With a budget shortfall and a hiring freeze, avalanche centers’ ability to maintain critical services is under duress. Seasonal workers, who are vital to the functioning of these centers, may not be hired, significantly impacting their operations.

• Related: Colorado Has Twice as Many Avalanche Deaths as Any Other State

The USFS operates fourteen regional avalanche centers and relies heavily on temporary, seasonal staff to help gather snowpack data, perform field observations, and issue daily forecasts. These workers are typically employed during winter when avalanche risk is at its peak. Avalanche centers may struggle to provide timely and accurate forecasting without adequate staffing, increasing the risk to backcountry users. The lack of seasonal workers will directly affect the quality and quantity of data collection, which is essential for predicting avalanche hazards. Fewer field observations and snowpack assessments mean less information on which to base critical forecasts, potentially leaving skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers without the necessary knowledge to make safe decisions.

Additionally, the hiring freeze could reduce the number of public education and outreach efforts that avalanche centers typically run. These programs, which teach backcountry users how to assess avalanche risk and use proper safety equipment, are crucial for preventing accidents. A lack of staff could mean fewer courses, workshops, and resources for the public, further heightening the dangers.

If you want to personally advocate for the Forest Service Avalanche Centers in your area, please contact the following individuals and explain why you value your local forecast program.

• Randy Moore, USFS Chief – randymoore@usda.gov
• Christopher French, USFS Deputy Chief – chris.french@usda.gov
• Your Government Representatives – www.usa.gov/elected-officials