Funding & Partnerships

The SAC relies on a variety of partnerships and collaborative relationships. Over half of the Center’s budget comes from the Forest Service and BLM. Despite a difficult fiscal environment, the USFS Region 4 and Sawtooth NF maintained our funding this year; this support shows their continuing commitment to public safety. The Ketchum Ranger District also provides extensive office and administrative support and maintenance facilities. Through an ORMV grant, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation contributed $27,950 to fund the 4th forecaster position.

The Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center (501c3) are the critical private partner in our mission; the center would be a mere shell of it's current self without their efforts and support. The Friends’ contribution covered a large portion of the payroll expenses for 2 of our 4 full-time Forecasting positions as well as our intern’s equipment and room & board expenses. They funded all of the summer website improvements we made. In addition, they provide snowmobiles, weather station equipment, funds for website and IT maintenance, safety and field equipment, educational supplies, forecaster training, etc. Thank you Friends!

Local guiding operations and the National Weather Service Pocatello office are also major avalanche center partners; their “in-kind” support is key to our success.

The Sawtooth Avalanche Center is a glowing example of a successful public-private partnership. The Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center raise funds through sponsorship, private donations, grants, and fundraising events. The Friends’ success is indicative of strong community buy-in and support of the Avalanche Center’s mission.