The Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC)
Increase Support for the Flathead Avalanche Center

Kalispell, MT-August 3, 2017 – Continuing to build on the success of the last three years, the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center (FOFAC ) is increasing its support to the Flathead Avalanche Center (FAC) for the 2017-2018 winter season by helping to fund a third avalanche forecaster position. This will help FAC achieve its goal to provide winter backcountry travelers the tools needed to recreate safely in avalanche terrain.

The FAC functions as a partnership between the Flathead National Forest and FOFAC, a non-profit organization, whose mission is “to financially support the FAC and save lives through avalanche education”. FOFAC has been providing support for the FAC over the last three years, with the 2016-2017 season being their most successful season since its inception.

FOFAC’s support for the FAC’s forecasting and public education mission comes from grants, private donations, and events, such as the Northern Rockies Snow and Avalanche Workshop (NRSAW). This past winter season, avalanche education and awareness program offerings reached 1,645 total students. Of those, 970 were under the age of 21, nearly double from the previous year. Improvements in education and outreach have been sited nationwide for their contribution to the decreasing trend in avalanche fatalities.

“This is an exciting time for the FAC and FOFAC,” states Chip Weber, Forest Supervisor, “without this partnership, and the dedication and commitment from the FOFAC board members and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to provide this public safety service to the community.”

For more information on FAC or the Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center or to view the 2016-2017 Flathead Avalanche Center Annual Report, visit www.flatheadavalanche.org.