Volunteer opportunities in Central Oregon
Central Oregon Avalanche Center
also known as Central Oregon Avalanche Association; COAC
About Central Oregon Avalanche Center
The Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) helps the backcountry community make informed decisions through avalanche forecasting, observations, and education. A community-funded nonprofit founded in 2009 as the Central Oregon Avalanche Association, it became a recognized Type 2 avalanche center in the 2017/18 season. From December through April it issues daily avalanche forecasts for the Central Cascades and weekend forecasts for the Newberry zone, maintains mountain weather stations at Moon Mountain and Paulina Peak, and hosts community education including Know Before You Go talks, Beacon & Eggs rescue training, and the annual Bend Snow & Avalanche Workshop. A small staff of forecasters and a development director work alongside a volunteer working board.
Volunteering looks like
COAC runs on a small staff and a hands-on volunteer working board. Volunteers help put on community events such as the Bend Snow & Avalanche Workshop, VertFest, and the Fresh Tracks member celebration, and backcountry travelers contribute during the season by submitting snow and avalanche observations that feed the public forecast. Board service includes event planning, projects, and counsel to staff; no professional avalanche background is required.
Who can volunteer
Focus areas
Where it serves
Ages served
Classification
- Nonprofit
- Public charity
Avalanche forecasting; backcountry safety education; mountain weather observation
Age and population categories follow Candid's
Brought to you by
Connect Central Oregon
Connect Central Oregon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strengthens communities in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties and Warm Springs by connecting people with volunteer opportunities, board positions, and mentorship. This directory is free to use, with no account, no login and no middleman.
connectcentraloregon.org · EIN 83-4113659
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