Safety Information

Check your Avalanche Equipment 
 
Anyone that rides in or around the backcountry should have the following five safety items; avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, avalanche bag and 2-way radio.  Before the season starts, it’s a good idea to get this equipment out and make sure they are in good operating condition.  Here are checks to preform on your safety equipment
 
Avalanche transceiver
  • Replace batteries and confirm that contacts are in good condition.
  • Ensure the battery power is near or at 100% and all buttons, dials, and switches operate as intended.
  • Confirm your transceiver functions by preforming a practice search.
Shovel
  • Makes sure you have a good quality metal shovel.  (We recommend 2 shovels – one for your sled and another for your backpack.)
  • Inspect the blade and handle for wear and cracking.
  • Assemble and test the shovel making sure it operates smoothly.
  • If necessary, file the cutting edge of the blade smooth so it doesn’t tear up your pack.
Probe
  • Inspect the tensioning cable for fraying and damage.
  • Assess the locking mechanism.
  • Assemble the probe.
Avalanche airbag
  • Check canister pressure or battery charge (now and before each day’s use).
  • Charge or refill canister as needed.
  • Confirm the assembly.
  • Preform a test deployment (recharge canaster or battery and replace O-rings after test).
2-Way Radio
  • Replace or recharge batteries
  • Inspect for water damage.
  • Program your radio channels.
  • Test that your radio transmits and receives.
  • If you have a mic, make sure it operates correctly.
Club Avalanche Training
The BRR Club is serious about avalanche safety in our area.  Here are some of the recent activities conducted by the club:
      - Mar 2, 2024:  Backcountry First Aid and CPR session
      - Dec 13, 2023:  Inspect Your Safety Gear Session
      - Dec 30, 2022:  Deployed first Beacon Check Station on
         Lost Horse trail
     - Jan 4-5 & 14-15, 2023: AIARE Level 1 Motorized
       Avalanche Training at Lost Horse (10 club members
       attending)
     - Jan 8, 2023:  Deployed second Beacon Check Station
        on Skalkaho trail
     - Jan 16, 2023:  AIARE Avalanche Rescue class (10 club 
​        members attending)
A Critical Moment for the Avalanche Center
The US Forest Service recently informed us that, due to budgetary constraints, they can no longer provide the financial and vehicle support essential to our operations. This sudden loss of backing comes at a time when winter recreation in west-central Montana is at an all-time high.
We now face a significant funding gap just as the 2024/2025 winter season approaches—a time when accurate forecasts, robust education programs, and reliable online resources are more critical than ever. Without immediate community support, our ability to deliver these services will be severely compromised.

Why It Matters:
Keeping Our Community SafeThe Avalanche Center’s work goes beyond predicting avalanche conditions—it’s fundamentally about protecting lives.
As winter recreation grows, more people are venturing into remote, avalanche-prone areas. While modern technology allows for deeper exploration of the backcountry, it also intensifies the need for reliable avalanche information and education.
Our forecasts and education programs are vital in helping individuals make informed, life-saving decisions. Without the resources to sustain our operations, we risk leaving our expanding backcountry community without the tools needed for safe mountain travel.
This is a public safety issue that impacts everyone we serve, and it’s a challenge we must face together.

Call to Action: How You Can Help
We’re reaching out to our entire community for support during this critical time. Your past contributions have been invaluable, and now, more than ever, we need to come together to ensure that the Avalanche Center remains fully operational.

Here’s How You Can Make a Difference:
  • Become a Member: Support our mission by joining our membership program. Members receive exclusive event invitations, seasonal newsletters, discounts, and additional online resources—all while directly contributing to the Avalanche Center’s services and supporting the needs of our expanding backcountry community.

  • Donate: Every dollar has a direct impact, helping us provide life-saving avalanche forecasts, vital education programs, and crucial backcountry safety resources.

  • Spread the Word: Share our story and encourage others to get involved. The more people who understand the urgent need for Avalanche Center funding, the better our chances of continuing to serve you this winter and beyond.

  • Attend Events: Join us at community pint nights, membership drives, and avalanche awareness events. Your participation amplifies our collective voice and fuels the work that advances our mission.

The Future: A Vision of Hope
​Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful. Our backcountry community has always been passionate and resilient, and with your continued support, we know we can overcome these obstacles.
Our vision for this winter and beyond is to continue providing the life-saving avalanche forecasts and educational resources that our community relies on. Together, we can ensure the West Central Montana Avalanche Center remains a trusted resource for everyone who ventures into the mountains.
Your support—whether through a donation, membership, or simply spreading the word—will help keep our backcountry community safe and informed. Together, we can safeguard these essential services and ensure that the West Central Montana Avalanche Center continues to serve our community for years to come.

Thank you for standing with us.

Avalanche Rescue Course

On January 16 the BRR club hosted a AIARE Avalanche Rescue course.  Ten members from the club attended the course.  The corse consisted online background material and an intensive one day field session.  Students learned how to assess an avalanche incident and techniques for perform rescues for single and multiple burials.

2nd Beaco​n Check Station
Deployed at Skalkaho

Colin Watts Club Safety Officer (left), Wally Deschene (center), Bob Egusquiza (right)

On January 8th, the BRR Club deployed a 2nd Beacon Check Station on the Skalkaho trail.  The check station is located about 1 mile from the west gate of the Skalkaho trail.  Please remember to use the check station to make sure you have your beacon and its functioning in transmit mode.  Have fun, ride safe.

​Beaco​n Check Station
Deployed at Lost Horse

Club Members Bob Egusquiza (left) and Len Owings (right)

​On Dec 30, 2022 the BRR club deployed a beacon (aka transceiver) check station at Lost Horse.  The check station is located about ½ mile from the Kelly hump at the start of the trail.  The check station is used to test if your beacon is transmitting a signal.  It is intended as a helpful reminder to wear your beacon and make sure it is transmitting.  To use the station, simply pull up to the sign to within about 5 feet and stop.  If your beacon is transmitting correctly, the speaker will make a beeping sound and flash a green light.  If your beacon is working correctly, continue on and enjoy your ride.  If you do not get the green light, make sure you are wearing your beacon, it’s turned on and it’s in transmit mode.  
 
Special thanks to the BRR Club Safety Officer Colin Watts for making this all happen.  

Level 1 Motorized Avalanche Training 

The BRR club sponsored 10 club members for Level 1 Motorized Avalanche Training.  The field portion of the class was held up Lost Horse trail on January 14 & 15th.  Here are some pictures from the class.  

Avalanche Safety Info for our area

​We are always trying to promote safety and make sure you have the best information available.  On this page is the National Avalanche Center's Forecast Map. Hover over the the shaded areas to view the current danger rating or click on the shaded area to view the full advisory. Or you can click here and be redirected to the Missoula Avalanche Center Website.
The Advisory Hotline number is: 406-549-4488
​
You can also sign up for a free automated email with the daily advisory sent direct to your inbox (during the winter months).

Check the calendar on our Events page for Avalanche courses in our area.

Where we call home



​SnoTel Sites
Daly Creek – near Skalkaho and Skalkaho Rye Roads
Skalkaho Pass - near Skalkaho Pass
Twelve Mile Creek – in Lost Horse Canyon
​Twin Lakes – Lost Horse Canyon
Saddle Mountain - near Lost Trail

Detailed Weather Forecast

Lost Horse 
Skalkho Pass

Avalanche Tips and Info

Note:  Avalanches happen in the areas we ride.  Ride Safe and Be Careful

Skalkaho - 2020

Lost Horse - 2021

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