Our MISSION
Flathead Avalanche is a public-private partnership committed to reducing avalanche incidents and fatalities in Northwest Montana
FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER (FAC)
The Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC) is a Type 1 Avalanche Center operating out of the Hungry Horse Ranger Station in Region One of the USDA National Forest. The purpose of the FAC is to help prevent the loss of life, limb, and property to human and naturally occurring avalanches through information and education to the community. We forecast for approximately 1.2 million acres of public land, encompassing the Whitefish, Flathead, and Swan ranges, as well as portions of the Apgar, Livingston, and Lewis Ranges in Glacier National Park. Our daily forecasting season typically extends from November/December to April/May, depending on conditions. Advisories are typically issued by 7 a.m. here on www.flatheadavalanche.org.
FRIENDS OF THE FLATHEAD
AVALANCHE CENTER (FOFAC)
As the non-profit arm of Flathead Avalanche, FOFAC is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on funding, education, and community outreach. Our mission is to financially support the Flathead Avalanche Center and save lives through avalanche education.
We teach more than 2,000 people every season. Our audience is wide, including motorized users, youth, women’s-specific groups, search and rescue organizations, and land management agencies. In addition to fundraising for daily operations, we also have secured funding for major projects like weather stations and our website.
FOFAC is guided by a Board of Directors, an amazing group of community members who give so much time and energy towards our mission. These folks provide mission guidance for staff, plan and execute events, and serve as community ambassadors for avalanche safety in the Flathead Valley.
Flathead Avalanche FAQ
What is Flathead Avalanche?
Flathead Avalanche is a public-private partnership providing avalanche forecasting, education, and outreach in Northwest Montana. It includes the Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC), operated by the U.S. Forest Service, and the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC), a nonprofit organization.
What is the difference between FAC and FOFAC?
The Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC) is the U.S. Forest Service avalanche center responsible for forecasting and public avalanche information. Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC) is the nonprofit partner that helps fund education, weather stations, beacon training parks, gear, outreach, and community programs.
What area does Flathead Avalanche serve?
Flathead Avalanche provides forecasting and education for approximately 1,800 square miles of Northwest Montana, including the Whitefish, Swan, and Flathead ranges, as well as portions of Glacier National Park.
When are avalanche forecasts issued?
Daily avalanche advisories are typically issued by 7 a.m. during the winter forecasting season, which generally runs from November/December through April/May, depending on conditions.
Does Flathead Avalanche make the backcountry safe?
No. Avalanche terrain always involves risk. Our role is to provide trusted forecasts, education, and information to help people make informed decisions in winter backcountry terrain.
Who uses Flathead Avalanche forecasts and education?
Our community includes backcountry skiers and snowboarders, snowmobilers, youth and student groups, search and rescue teams, land managers, guides, transportation agencies, and visitors recreating on public lands throughout Northwest Montana.
How is Flathead Avalanche funded?
Flathead Avalanche is supported through a combination of U.S. Forest Service funding, grants, memberships, donations, and corporate sponsorships, mainly through Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC).
What does FOFAC funding support?
Community support helps fund avalanche education, weather stations, forecasting tools, outreach programs, FlatheadAvalanche.org, free access to the Avy App, and beacon training parks.
Why is avalanche education important?
Avalanche education helps people better understand snow conditions, terrain, weather, and risk management so they can make more informed decisions while recreating in winter backcountry terrain. It also builds essential rescue skills, including how to use avalanche safety equipment, respond in emergency situations, and practice effective companion rescue techniques.
Why is youth avalanche education important?
Youth avalanche education helps build a lifetime of informed winter recreation by teaching young people how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand snow and weather conditions, and make thoughtful decisions in the backcountry. These programs introduce important concepts such as risk assessment, public lands stewardship, and responsible recreation while helping students build confidence and awareness in winter environments. Youth education also exposes participants to career pathways in fields like natural science, meteorology, and land management, helping foster the next generation of informed outdoor users and professionals.
How can I support Flathead Avalanche?
You can support Flathead Avalanche by becoming a member, making a donation, attending fundraising events, or becoming a corporate sponsor through FOFAC. https://www.flatheadavalanche.org/donate/