Safety Information
Beacon Checkers DeployedThe BRR Club has deployed beacon checkers at the Skalkaho and Lost Horse trailheads. The check station at Georgetown/Red Lion was recently vandalized, so we ask that everyone keep ours safe! These are expensive, hand fabricated and there for your SAFETY. Given the current avalanche conditions, it's more important than ever, so please use and protect your club's safety gear!
Starlink Installed on Groomer
A Starlink Mini dish was installed on the BRR groomer this weekend to replace the satellite phone. The Sat phone was unreliable and expensive to operate. The Starlink setup will improve the safety of our grooming operation by allowing our groomer operator to easily call out via WiFi calling. It will also allow groomer coordinator and support group to call into the groomer when needed.
Safety Tip: If you happen to have an emergency and you encounter our groomer, they can contact search and rescue for you. 
Check your Avalanche EquipmentAnyone 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
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Critical Moment for the Avalanche CenterThe 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:
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. BRR Club donates to West Central Montana Avalanche CenterBRR Vice President Mark Roach presents a $500 check to Katie Matthews for the West Central Montana Avalanche Center.
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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.
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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.
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Avalanche Safety Info for our area
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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. |
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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 |
Avalanche Tips and Info
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