West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
THE MISSION OF THE WCMAF IS TO SUPPORT AVALANCHE INFORMATION AND EDUCATION FOR ALL BACKCOUNTRY USERS.
- Income
- $168,383
- Spending
- $174,750
- Reserves
- -4.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 79%
- Highest pay
- $60,800, executive dir.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 11 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 477% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 December 31, 2024, 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 (1)
- $113,950 spent. The WCMAF was formed in 2001 to bridge the growing gap between the funding available from the U.S. Forest Service and the expenses required to operate the West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC). Today, it raises the funding needed to run the avalanche center, maintains the website Missoulaavalanche.org, delivers high-quality avalanche education, and connects the public to resources for staying safe in avalanche terrain. The WCMAF oversees and supports the West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC). The WCMAC generates avalanche forecasts for the west-central Montana forecast area and provides information to the public regarding terrain, weather, and snow conditions that contribute to avalanche danger. U.S. Forest Service employees assist the WCMAC on the Bitterroot, Nez Perce-Clearwater, and Lolo National Forests, contributing field observations and administrative support.The Board of Directors collaborates with the National Ski Patrol and regional riding clubs to install and maintain Backcountry Access Beacon Training Parks and Are you beeping? beacon checkers throughout west central Montana.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2001.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.