Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center asks Mat‑Su Assembly for $20,000 to fund 2025–26 forecasts

Kirsten Berg and Heather Johnson, board members of the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, told the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly at a special April 22 budget public hearing in the Menard Center that the group is requesting $20,000 in borough support for the 2025–26 forecast season.

The request came during the audience participation portion of the meeting. “We just wanted to come to the meeting today … and also, as we had requested, ask this year for $20,000 for the 2025, 2026 forecast season,” Berg said.

The center summarized its 2024–25 season activity: three forecasters produced 73 forecasts, the organization ran one large storm‑cycle response while the road was closed, conducted a rescue training event that drew almost 80 public attendees, reached more than 1,000 students in Matanuska‑Susitna Borough schools, and held four forecasting chats in Palmer and Wasilla. The center also participated in community events including the Boulder Dash snow‑machine event and a midwinter fundraising event called the cabin fever reliever.

“During that time … we were able to hold a rescue event in Hatcher Pass, which saw almost 80 public attendees,” Johnson said, noting the center’s school outreach and community forecasting events.

The board members thanked the assembly for past support and made the funding request as part of the borough’s ongoing budget review. The request will be considered as the assembly continues its public hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, including an upcoming continuation of the hearing scheduled for April 24 in Willow.

The full assembly hearing on the borough budget was opened on April 22; the request from the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center was one of the public comments recorded at that session.