Virtual Powder Blast 2022

We have reached our fundraising goal for this winter's Virtual Powder Blast! Thank you so much to everyone who contributed. We are so grateful for every donation, large or small. Individuals and businesses, sponsors and donors, for love of the backcountry and in honor of loved ones -- you helped us meet our goal and keep another year of avalanche safety information, programs, and outreach going strong!

With your support, we provide over $100,000 every year in free, quality avalanche education through classes, lectures and direct support of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center's efforts to inform the recreating public about avalanche danger.

Donate and help us continue to be an essential part of your winter mornings! Your donations directly help keep backcountry users informed and alive. Help us match our sponsors' contributions of $35,000 towards our total fundraising goal of $70,000.

Where your donation goes:

Avalanche Education Programs (stats from last winter)

3,349 participants

330 snowmobile-specific participants

82 classes

42 paid instructors

Beacon Checkers at Trailheads

9 locations, including: Cooke City (3), Bridger Bowl, Buck Ridge, Taylor Fork, Lionhead, Two Top, Beehive Basin

New this winter: Sage Creek trailhead near West Yellowstone, Portal Creek trailhead

Daily Advisories (stats from last winter)

122 advisories from December 12 to April 10

12 early season and postseason bulletins

6,736 people a day get the advisory

Field Days (stats from last winter)

117 days outside observing weather patterns, digging pits and investigating avalanches

169 snow pits dug

Beacon Parks

4 locations: Story Mill Park Bozeman, Bridger Bowl, Cooke City, West Yellowstone

Weather Stations

7 remote weather stations: Lionhead Ridge, Taylor Fork, Hyalite Canyon, Cooke City, plus two new stations on Sawtell Peak, near Island Park, ID.

Thank you for your help in ensuring this outreach continues!