Wallowa Avalanche Center (WAC) receives a Wildhorse Foundation Grant for the WAC Weather Station Upgrade project
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
WALLOWA COUNTY — The WAC will purchase and install two new weather stations in the Blues and Southern Wallowa’s forecasting zones with a $4,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation. These weather stations will be installed in 2025 in preparation for the 2025-2026 season.
Implementing two new weather stations will significantly enhance the Wallowa Avalanche Center’s forecasting capabilities by providing real-time data on snowpack conditions and weather variables. This increased coverage will improve the accuracy of forecasts, allowing for timely and informed decision-making for backcountry travelers, and ultimately enhancing safety in avalanche-prone areas.
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Indian charitable organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations.
The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $18 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.TheWildhorseFoundation.com.
The Mission of the Wallowa Avalanche Center is to keep winter backcountry travelers safe in the mountains of Northeast Oregon through education, avalanche advisories, mountain weather information and observations. We begin avalanche forecasts 4 days a week in the fall after enough snow accumulates in the mountains for on-snow travel in the backcountry and continue them until early April. We also offer a variety of classroom and field-based educational programs, including instruction specifically aimed toward youth, backcountry skiers, snowmobilers, and professionals. Visit our website (wallowaavalanchecenter.org) if you are interested in taking a course through us, or want to learn more about the organization.
About the Wildhorse Foundation: The fund reflects the commitment of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. Funds, derived from a percentage of revenues from Wildhorse Resort & Casino, are managed and distributed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders and representatives of the CTUIR.
