Hiring Freeze Could Adversely Impact USFS Avalanche Centers

The news of the seasonal worker hiring freeze has reverberated in several mountain communities where the USFS produces avalanche forecasts and bulletins. Many USFS avalanche centers rely on seasonal forecasters to do this important work. Officially, the seasonal employees affected are temporary 1039 hires. These hires are limited to a maximum number of weeks and total hours they can work for the agency.

The hiring freeze impacts all seasonal 1039 hires for the new U.S. fiscal year, which began October 1, except wildland fire seasonal hires. For those backcountry enthusiasts who are not focused on the federal budget, Congress passed a temporary spending bill funding the government at current levels until December 20. An official 2025 budget has not been passed.

The High Route shameless plug: If a USFS avalanche center serves your backcountry zone, now is the time to contact your representatives and the non-profit fundraising arm of your respective center.