Covid and Funding Concerns

Covid-19 will have multiple impacts on our operations. In addtion to increased operating costs, we also anticipate a significant reduction of the data stream we depend on to produce avalanche forecasts and other public safety products/services. We are also expecting an increase in backcountry visitation, especially from inexperienced users. 

If that wasn’t enough, the confirmed BC Government funding so far for this coming year is zero dollars. This means we are obligated to start planning for cost-cutting measures. We will be sure to inform our users of any cuts to programs.

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Webinar series

We have shifted all of our outreach online this year because of the pandemic. Our weekly webinar series launches on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. PST with presentations that will look at the various services available on our website and the Mountain Information Network. The webinars will continue weekly throughout the winter. Subsequent webinars target snowmobilers, ice climbers, backcountry skiers, and people new to the backcountry.

See the full lineup of our weekly webinar series here.

Foundation Moving Fundraisers Online

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the Avalanche Canada Foundation is unable to hold its in-person fundraisers in Calgary and Whistler this fall. We are working on an online silent auction with details to follow shortly. Without the live events, auction donations are more important than ever. Please consider donating items like artwork, gear, or outdoor experiences. Every donation helps. Please contact Michele Dauphinee.

Youth Programs Underway

The Avalanche Canada youth program is up and running for the season, with a Covid safety plan in place. There are a variety of options depending on each school’s Covid plans. 

• In-school presentations that follow our Covid safety plan;
• outdoor avalanche rescue training;
• live webinars;
• basic online training course for teachers to present to students; and
• online training courses presented by our professional avalanche educators to students.

If you’d like more information, please contact Shannon Werner, youth education coordinator.

Cora Shea Scholarship Awarded

The Avalanche Canada Foundation is pleased to announce that Gabrielle Antonioli of Bozeman, MT, has received $750 from the Cora Shea Memorial Fund to assist with work towards her Master’s thesis in snow science. Gabrielle says: “Thank you for this opportunity and for supporting female snow researchers like myself! I am very grateful for the assistance towards my education and feel honoured to have received this grant.”