Central Oregon Avalanche

What Central Oregon Avalanche does

Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit avalanche forecasting organization founded in 2009 and headquartered in Bend, Oregon. Originally established as the Central Oregon Avalanche Association and renamed in 2018/19, COAC became an officially recognized Type 2 avalanche center during the 2017/18 season. Its core service is daily avalanche danger forecasting for the Central Cascades zone (December 1 – April 30) and weekend forecasting for the Newberry Crater National Monument zone, delivered via a website, the Avy mobile app (iOS/Android, offline-capable), and a proprietary weather station network comprising the Moon Mountain station and the Tyler Heilman station at Paulina Peak. Forecast outputs include three-band danger ratings (below treeline, near treeline, alpine), specific avalanche problem identification (persistent slab, wind slab, storm slab, wet loose), aspect/elevation graphics, and a community-driven observation submission system.

The organization is staffed by a volunteer Board of Directors and a paid operational team including a Lead Avalanche Forecaster (Gabriel Coler, IFMGA-certified), four additional forecasters, a development director, and a membership and marketing coordinator. Forecasters hold American Avalanche Association (AAA) and AIARE credentials and overlap operationally with regional guide services (Oregon Ski Guides, Three Sisters Backcountry, Timberline Mountain Guides, Chockstone Climbing Guides). COAC serves backcountry recreationists — skiers, splitboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoers — as well as avalanche professionals seeking continuing education, and runs complementary educational programming (Know Before You Go awareness presentations, Beacon and Eggs rescue training) and community events (BendSAW workshop, VertFest uphill race, Fresh Tracks member event, Powderhound Preview film fundraiser).

COAC's revenue model is diversified across five streams: tiered annual memberships (Standard $50, Snow Scientist $100, Ullr Snow God $250), general donations and targeted fundraisers (including a snowmobile fundraiser that closed $15,055 against a $15,000 goal), print-on-demand merchandise ($25–$75), event ticket and race registration revenue ($40–$60 for events such as BendSAW and VertFest), and corporate sponsorships from regional brands (Visit Bend at the $10,000+ Three Sisters tier; Rocky Talkie at $5,000–$9,999 Broken Top tier; Mt Bachelor, onX, UBS, Black Diamond, NewSun Energy, Deschutes Brewery, Ladd Group Real Estate, Import Performance Auto Repair, Blue Elephant Storage, and Visit Central Oregon at lower tiers). Distribution is regional (Central Oregon only) and channel-mixed: direct digital (website, app, email newsletter), social (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), and in-person events. The organization is community-funded, has no parent company, and operates independently under EIN 27-1929412.

Name

Central Oregon Avalanche

Legal name

Central Oregon Avalanche Center

Website

https://coavalanche.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Central Oregon Avalanche Center is a Bend, Oregon-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that issues daily avalanche forecasts for the Central Cascades and weekend forecasts for Newberry Crater, serving backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoers through a website, mobile app, weather stations, and community education events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Avalanche Forecasting and Backcountry Safety Education

NAICS

Skiing Facilities (713920)

akta.pro primary industry

Mountain Safety & Patrol Services (Avalanche Training, Rescue, Medical) (THAAAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF), Winter Adventure & Mountain Resorts (Ski, Snowboard, Snow Activities) (THAAAAAK)

Keywords

• Avalanche forecasting
• Backcountry education
• Snow safety
• Mountain weather
• Nonprofit conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Bend

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Tiered membership program with Standard ($50), Snow Scientist ($100), and Ullr Snow God ($250) levels providing benefits including event discounts, exclusive webinars, gear discounts, and member-only access to events and merchandise
2. Donations: General donations supporting daily operations, forecasting expansion to new areas, weather station maintenance, website operations, and community education events
3. Merchandise Sales: Print-on-demand branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), headwear (caps, beanies), and accessories sold through the online storefront
4. Event Tickets and Registrations: Revenue from events including Bend Snow & Avalanche Workshop tickets ($40-50), VertFest race registrations, Beacon & Eggs training sessions, and Fresh Tracks member events
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from regional and local businesses including Visit Bend (Three Sisters tier $10,000+), Rocky Talkie (Broken Top tier $5,000-9,999), Mt Bachelor, onX, UBS, and others at various contribution levels

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Central Oregon Avalanche Center provides daily avalanche forecasting for the Central Cascades and weekend forecasts for the Newberry Crater National Monument zone from December 1 through April 30. The organization also delivers avalanche education through workshops, rescue training events, and partnerships with AIARE-certified providers, along with a mobile app and weather station network that support backcountry travel safety.

Product overview

Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) is a nonprofit avalanche forecasting organization providing a suite of interconnected services centered on backcountry safety. The core offerings include daily avalanche forecasting for the Central Cascades and weekend forecasts for Newberry Crater National Monument. Revenue-generating products include COAC Membership (Standard $50, Snow Scientist $100, Ullr Snow God $250), general donations, and merchandise (clothing, caps, beanies). Educational products include Beacon and Eggs rescue training, Know Before You Go awareness presentations, and partnerships with avalanche education providers. COAC also hosts community events including the annual Bend Snow & Avalanche Workshop (Bend SAW), VertFest uphill race, Fresh Tracks member event, and Powderhound Preview fundraiser.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• COAC Membership Annual tiered membership program (Standard $50, Snow Scientist $100, Ullr Snow God $250) supporting COAC's avalanche forecasting mission, with benefits including event discounts, exclusive webinars, Rocky Talkies gear discounts, and member-only merchandise.
• Donate Just Because General donation supporting COAC's day-to-day operations including 7-day forecasting, weather station maintenance, website operations, and community education events.
• Alex Kollar and Jillian Webster Memorial Scholarship Scholarship fundraiser supporting Pacific Northwest backcountry users in advancing avalanche education and developing life-saving skills for mountain travel.
• COAC Branded Merchandise Branded merchandise including Five Panel Cap ($30), Snapback Trucker Cap, Avalanche Tool T-Shirts ($25), Powder Day Friends Pocket Hoodie ($50), Hoodie with Embroidered COAC Logo ($75), and Beanie.
• Avalanche Forecasting Service Daily avalanche forecasting for the Central Cascades zone (December 1 – April 30) and weekend forecasting for the Newberry zone, with weather station maintenance at Moon Mountain and Tyler Heilman station at Paulina Peak.
• Beacon and Eggs Rescue Training On-snow avalanche rescue skills refresher training led by COAC forecasters, covering signal search, coarse/fine search, probing, and shoveling techniques, with bacon and eggs lunch.
• Know Before You Go (KBYG) Presentation Free avalanche awareness presentation covering basics including where avalanches occur, different types, causes, available resources, and risk minimization strategies.
• Fresh Tracks Member Event Members-only celebration event featuring live music, food, and raffle prizes including Three Sisters Backcountry's Owl Yurt weekend getaway, Ortovox beacon, and Mt. Bachelor 4-day pass.
• Bend Snow & Avalanche Workshop (Bend SAW) Annual all-day workshop featuring presentations from experts across North America on topics including risk management, decision-making, safe backcountry travel, snow science, and human factors, presented with American Avalanche Association and Mt. Bachelor.
• VertFest Uphill Race Annual uphill ski/snowboard race at Mt. Bachelor featuring Elite ($60), Recreational ($50), Cone Rally ($40), and Youth ($40) categories, plus Companion Rescue Clinic and Intro to Backcountry Clinic ($75 each), with vendor village and costume awards.
• Powderhound Preview and Fundraiser Community winter film event showcasing locally-produced films featuring Central Oregonians enjoying winter recreation, with raffle proceeds split between COAC and Oregon Adaptive Sports.
• Snowmobile Fundraiser Fundraiser campaign to provide snowmobiles for COAC forecasters to expand coverage in the Cascade Zone and provide weekend forecasts at Paulina.

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Visit BendflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerThree Sisters tier sponsor ($10,000+) providing major funding support for COAC operations and serving as regional tourism partner promoting avalanche safety awareness
• Rocky TalkiecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBroken Top tier sponsor ($5,000-9,999) providing 20% discount to COAC members on Rocky Talkie communication equipment
• Mt BachelorcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring partner ($1,000-4,999) and co-host of VertFest race event at Mt Bachelor ski area
• onXminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring partner providing mapping and navigation technology awareness to backcountry users
• UBSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring partner at $1,000-4,999 level supporting COAC mission
• Ladd Group Real EstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring partner at $1,000-4,999 level supporting local avalanche safety
• Black DiamondminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring partner providing avalanche safety gear and promotional support for VertFest
• American Avalanche AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association sponsor and presenting partner for Bend SAW 2025, providing industry credibility and professional development resources
• Oregon Adaptive SportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner receiving 50% of Powderhound Preview raffle proceeds, supporting outdoor inclusion for athletes with disabilities
• Oregon Ski GuidescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIARE provider and scholarship partner offering AIARE 1, Level 2, Avalanche Rescue courses and companion rescue training for COAC scholarship recipients
• ULLR BackcountrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAA-recognized avalanche education provider and scholarship partner offering Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses for COAC scholarship recipients
• Three Sisters BackcountrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal AIARE provider offering Level 2 courses and guiding services, Owl Hut destination for Fresh Tracks event raffle prize
• Deschutes BreweryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Fresh Tracks member celebration providing community engagement and brand visibility
• NewSun EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional sponsor supporting COAC operations and avalanche safety education in Central Oregon
• Import Performance Auto RepairminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business sponsor supporting COAC mission and community safety programs
• Blue Elephant StorageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal sponsor contributing to COAC operations and community education initiatives
• Visit Central OregonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism partner sponsoring COAC at $1,000-4,999 level

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Payette Avalanche Center: Idaho-based regional avalanche forecasting center serving the West Central Mountains. Closely aligned with COAC in scale, mission, and community-driven funding approach.
• Northwest Avalanche Center: The Pacific Northwest regional avalanche forecasting nonprofit serving Washington and northern Oregon. Most direct peer to COAC — provides daily avalanche forecasts, weather stations, and education for an adjacent but overlapping Cascades user base.
• Utah Avalanche Center: Nonprofit regional avalanche forecasting center serving the Wasatch and other Utah ranges. Direct peer in mission, structure, and product offering — daily forecasts, education, and community fundraising model closely aligned with COAC.
• Colorado Avalanche Information Center: State-funded avalanche forecasting center for Colorado, providing daily forecasts, education, and accident reporting. Operates the largest and most established avalanche center model that COAC mirrors at a smaller scale.
• Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center: Wyoming-based avalanche center covering the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Teton Range. Direct peer in forecasting structure, professional forecaster staffing, and community-funded nonprofit model.
• Mount Washington Avalanche Center: Eastern regional avalanche forecasting center in New Hampshire. Comparable nonprofit structure providing daily forecasts, weather data, and education for a smaller but dedicated user base.
• Sierra Avalanche Center: Regional nonprofit providing avalanche forecasts and education for the greater Tahoe and Sierra Nevada region. Closely mirrors COAC's operating model of forecasts, education, and community sponsorship.
• Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center: Southwest Montana avalanche forecasting center covering the Gallatin, Madison, and Bridger ranges. Equivalent regional avalanche center operating with daily forecasts, weather stations, and education programs.

Others

• American Avalanche Association: National professional association for avalanche workers in the US. COAC partners with AAA on Bend SAW and shares overlapping educator/forecaster community, but AAA is an industry body rather than a forecasting operator.

Regional players

• Avalanche Canada: Canadian national avalanche forecasting organization providing forecasts and education for western Canada. Operates a comparable nonprofit forecasting model but in a different national jurisdiction, making it a regional rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@CentralOregonAvalancheCenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/CentralOregonAvalanche
• Instagraminstagram.com/coavy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-oregon-avalanche-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Central Oregon Avalanche