2025 Avalanche Center Grant Recipients

West Central Montana

The Payette Avalanche Center requested and received an Arctic Cat M 600 Alpha One Sno Pro (AC5S shocks) 154 3-inch. With the receipt of this snowmobile, forecasters will be able to maintain operational readiness and increase capacity. This machine will directly support the production of high-quality avalanche forecasts, enable field data collection in motorized terrain, and facilitate motorized-specific education and outreach during the winter operating season.

Gallatin NF Avalanche Center

The Gallatin NF Avalanche Center requested and received a $5,000 grant. These funds will be used to provide daily avalanche forecasting for Island Park. Useage in this area is well over 90% motorized. They have been working for six years in this area and the second year providing full avalanche forecasts with avalanche danger ratings. When they originally began planning to expand their forecasting to cover Island Park, they assumed there would be some similarities in the snowpack between Island Park and West Yellowstone, thus some cost savings. They found that the snowpacks are completely different and require more field time than anticipated. The only way to make accurate avalanche forecasts is with regular field work. Additionally and perhaps more importantly, having a regular presence in the area builds trust with riders. It's hard to quantify how important this trust and credibility is.

Carbon County Avalanche Observation Team

The Carbon County Avalanche Observation Team requested and received a $4,350 grant. The Carbon County Avalanche Observation Team is comprised entirely of volunteers. The funding procured by this grant would be utilized in two distinct functions: 1.) Continued AIARE and Forecasting training for our volunteers and 2.) Fuel and equipment.

Payette Avalanche Center

The Payette Avalanche Center requested and received a $5,000 grant. These funds will be used to help provide a snowmobile(s) for forecasters. Forecasters will be able to safely travel over a large area through the course of a field day and gather snow and avalanche information from a variety of locations. Many forecast centers have integrated off trail snowmobiling into their operations which allows them to be more effective and more efficient at gathering data and interacting with other motorized users in the mountains.

Sawtooth Avalanche Center

The Sawtooth Avalanche Center requested and received a $5,000 grant. These funds will be used to help provide a snowmobile(s) for forecasters. Forecasters will increase their travel abilities will allow them to gain more data points which will support a more accurate forecast. Also will allow forecasters to access high motorized traffic ares to gain a better understanding of motorized backcountry travel.