Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) Has Lost Funding Due to COVID-19 and Needs Your Help

Giving Tuesday and GoFundMe teamed up to help nonprofits raise money in this time of crisis

Did you know the CAIC is the only avalanche center still issuing daily forecasts? However, they lost major funding as a result of canceling all spring events due to COVID-19 and have launched a GoFundMe to raise $5000.

• Related: The Colorado Avalanche Information Center & The Friends of CAIC

People fall back on what they love in times of crisis. Coloradans have proven this by traveling into the backcountry in larger numbers and packing trailheads across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase in users means that avalanche forecasting and education are more important than ever to inform in Colorado. 

The CAIC is the ONLY avalanche center in the United States still issuing daily avalanche forecasts. They continue to provide this critical resource into the later parts of the spring season based on the unique needs and strong participation in backcountry recreation throughout our state. This program is funded in part by donations! 

Supporting forecasting operations ensures the CAIC has the resources they need for seasonal forecasting staff. It costs $276/day to keep a seasonal forecaster in the field. The Friends’ long term vision is to support 10 seasonal forecasters throughout Colorado.  

This fiscal year we planned to fund 4 seasonal forecasters ($200,000) for the 2019/2020 season. COVID-19 has directly impacted our fundraising and events and while we were able to support 4 seasonal forecasters for this year, If COVID-19 continues to impact our fundraising it will dramatically affect the support of seasonal forecasters for the 2020/2021 season.

Fortunately, the backcountry community, outdoor industry, local governments, and foundations, were very generous earlier this season and set us up for a successful season. That being said, we have lost an estimated $150,000-$175,000 in fundraising dollars. We are hopeful that the people who use CAIC’s products will consider supporting them so that we can continue on our path building the best avalanche center in the nation.

Successful Gofundme Charity campaigns also have the opportunity to apply for $50,000 in additional funds from GoFundMe organization! 

Thanks in advance for your support.