Avalanche
Industry News
The West Central Montana Avalanche Center in Missoula is urgently seeking community support after the U.S. Forest Service announced it would no longer provide financial and vehicle resources to the center due to budget cuts. The loss of this critical support comes at a time when winter recreation in the region has reached record levels.
The funding shortfall poses a significant threat to the center’s ability to deliver essential services as the 2024-2025 winter season approaches. These services include avalanche forecasting, education programs, and online safety resources, all of which are crucial for the safety of backcountry users. Without immediate financial backing, the center warns that its operations may be severely limited.
“Accurate forecasts and educational outreach are more critical than ever given the surge in winter recreation,” the center said in a statement. “We are now facing a substantial funding gap that threatens our ability to serve the community.”
How the Community Can Help
To bridge this gap, the center is calling on the public for support through various avenues:
- Membership Program: Becoming a member provides exclusive benefits, such as event invitations, newsletters, and discounts, while directly funding the center’s initiatives.
- Donations: Contributions, no matter the size, will directly impact the center’s ability to continue offering life-saving avalanche forecasts and educational outreach.
- Community Engagement: Residents are encouraged to spread awareness about the center’s funding needs to amplify support.
- Event Participation: The center will host local events, including membership drives and avalanche awareness sessions, to rally support and foster community involvement.
The center urges those interested in supporting its mission to visit missoulaavalanche.org for more information on how to contribute.
“We’ve always relied on the generosity of our community to keep our services running,” the center emphasized. “Now, more than ever, we need your help to ensure the safety of all who venture into Montana’s backcountry this winter.”
Contact:
West Central Montana Avalanche Center
Website: missoulaavalanche.org
Instagram: @missoulaavalanche
