The goal of the GCAC volunteer observers program is to collect as much, and as accurate, observer information as possible throughout the GCAC region.

Obtaining observations for the entire GCAC region is no small task, as the region is roughly 10,000 square miles and encompasses seven individual mountain ranges. Thus, the more GCAC volunteer observers GCAC has throughout the region, the better off we all are.

Collected volunteer observations will assist in writing the GCAC avalanche advisory, be posted on the GCAC Field Observations web page, and ultimately assist winter recreational and professional backcountry travellers in making winter backcountry travel decisions.

There are two pre-requisites to be a GCAC volunteer observer. These requirements are imposed simply because the observer information being submitted to GCAC must be as accurate as possible.

The first requirement is that volunteer observers have at least a "Level 1" avalanche education background. This helps ensure that GCAC volunteer observers have fundamental knowledge of weather patterns, avalanche dynamics, and snowpack evaluation. The second requirement is that GCAC volunteer observers take a GCAC Observer Course prior to assisting with the GCAC volunteer observer program. Taking the GCAC Observers Course benefits GCAC and the GCAC observers by making sure all participants in the GCAC volunteer observations program are recording weather observations, avalanche observations, and field observations using the same format.

Once the two pre-requisites have been met, GCAC volunteer observers will be given a Login I.D. and Password that will allow them to submit observation data directly to the GCAC Field Observations web page.

If you would like to become a GCAC volunteer observer, email GCAC at: info@glacieravalanche.org or call (406) 862-5686 and leave a message.

Thank You for your interest.