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Wallowa Avalanche Center

EIN 27-0629885 · Joseph, OR

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Education

Income
$118,628
Spending
$101,172
Reserves
12 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 49%
Highest pay
$18,526, director, officer, employee, forecaster, instructor

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 12.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $22,473 spent. Provided avalanche forecasting, observations and awareness presentations throughout the winter season. From Nov 12 to Apr 13 WAC provided 299 avalanche forecasts across four zones, 104 general advisories across four zones, 1 avalanche warning, 159 snowpack observations (48 from Forecasters; 15 from Pro Observers), and 4 avalanche awareness presentations to 120 people. Expenses include payment for Forecasters, Professional Observers, Awareness Presentations, and field instrumentation. Stipends are also provided for forecasting mileage.
  2. $32,700 spent. Provided Avalanche courses: Taught 4 non-motorized AIARE Level 1&2 Avalanche Courses, 2 motorized AIARE Level 1&2 Avalanche Courses, and 2 Companion Rescue classes. A total of 108 students taught through AIARE. Expenses include AIARE Instructor payroll, personal snowmobile use and fuel, WAC snowmobile fuel and maintenance, and AIARE fees.
  3. $3,066 spent. Provided 2 Snowmobile Riding Clinics across 1 weekend which taught better and safer riding practices to a total of 24 people. Taught 2 non-AIARE Companion Rescue Clinics to 35 students. Expenses include Clinic Instructor fees, lodging, and a gas stipend.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending August 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 2010.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.