We get a lot of questions about what we do here so we figured we would compile them all in one place.
If you have a question that you do not see below please Contact Us!

 

Q: What is the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center (aka The Friends)?

A: The Friends is closely associated with the Sawtooth Avalanche Center (SAC), but is a separate non-profit entity. SAC is apart of the Forest Service and receives partial funding from the government. The Friends supports the SAC financially through fundraising and public education initiatives. Here at the Friends, our mission is to support the SAC and promote life-saving avalanche safety information, education, and outreach throughout central Idaho. The Friends is an essential component of the SAC’s success. The SAC cannot solicit funds on their own behalf – yet need additional funding to cover about half of the annual operating budget. The Friends was originally established to help cover that gap, and has consistently raised funding through individual and business donations, and events.

 

Q: What does the funding go towards?

A: All the money that the Friends raise goes directly toward funding the Sawtooth Avalanche Center. Funds go toward avalanche forecaster salaries first and foremost. Crucially funding the 4th forecaster postition that allows SAC to not only cover 4 zones but issues daily forecasts throughout the season. In addition, the funds help to cover: weather station maintenance, snowmobiles, fuel and insurance, website/IT maintenance and more.  Additionally, the Friends has an education program that reaches over 3,000 people annually and provides awareness level education to every 8th grader in the county. The Friends education program put on the first entirely Spanish presentation in the country. 

 

Q: What kind of public education do the Friends offer?

A: We offer free, or low-cost, avalanche classes throughout south-central Idaho. All our classes are open to the public and provide up-to-date information on avalanche safety and best practices. Check out our calendar!  Although the education we offer does not replace a full Level 1 Avalanche course, it is a great place to start if you are brand new to the backcountry or are looking for a refresher.  You will learn from a team of snow experts, guides, and experienced avalanche educators. We will dive into fundamental concepts about snow and snowpack, how to travel safely in and near avalanche terrain, and discuss what avalanches are. Attending the classroom portion of the course enables you to participate in the hands-on Field Day. During the Field Day, you will spend the day outside, learning how to evaluate the snow and snowpack, identify avalanche terrain, and avalanche rescue basics. 

 

Q: Who do the Friends provide education for?

A: We offer courses for all backcountry users: snowmobilers, skiers, experienced backcountry travelers, first-timers and everyone in-between. We have especially expanded our motorized educational courses over the past few years. The data has shown that motorized users are getting into trouble with avalanches at a higher rate than other backcountry travelers. With the help of motorized machines, we can get to places that we wouldn’t otherwise, exposing ourselves to more potential avalanche danger. It is important that these backcountry users know we are a resource for them, and that they can use all the different tools that we have to offer. We have partnered with local snowmobile clubs to expand our reach in the motorized community and look forward to engaging with them throughout this season and beyond.

 

Q: How can the public be involved with the Friends?

A: Volunteer Here! You can check out our website and social media to find upcoming events or sign up for education classes: sawtoothavalanche.com or follow us on social media @sawtoothavy. You can also donate to help fund the Sawtooth Avalanche Center at our website. Your donation makes our work and the work of the forecasting team at the Sawtooth Avalanche Center possible.

 

Q: Who are your current Board Members?

A: Check out our About Us page. These individuals are critical to the success of the Friends – they each bring their own perspective and experience that helps direct the Friends and work towards our mission of supporting the SAC and providing public avalanche education.