Flathead Avalanche Center hires new director

Lead avalanche forecaster Blase Reardon has been tapped to lead the Flathead Avalanche Center, the Flathead Forest announced Thursday.

Reardon replaces outgoing director Zach Guy who has served in the position for the last four years. For the last two years, Reardon has served as the lead forecaster for the Flathead Avalanche Center. He will begin his new position in mid-October.

Reardon has a variety of avalanche forecast experience, working with the Forest Service, nonprofit and state avalanche centers of various sizes, according to a media release announcing his selection. He has also served on the executive committee for the American Avalanche Association and has published peer-reviewed and technical publications related to snow science, avalanche education and awareness. 

“We are excited to hear Blase has accepted the position as the new Director of the Flathead Avalanche Center,” said Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center Operations Director Emily Struss. “Blase brings decades of forecasting experience and an ability to engage with diverse audiences in writing and in story-telling. He has spent his life dedicated to avalanche safety and education, and we have no doubt he will continue to do great things serving as director.

“We will miss Zach Guy and the leadership and energy he brought to this program but know Blase is a fantastic choice to fill his boots. Winter will be here before we know it and the team at FAC and FOFAC are excited to begin planning for the upcoming season with Blase at the helm.”

Flathead Avalanche Center is a service provided by the Flathead National Forest, and is funded by the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, the state of Montana, and donations to Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center.

The Type 1 Center staffs four full-time forecast and observer staff and provides daily avalanche forecasts for the Swan Range, the Whitefish Range, and the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park.