Reardon tapped to lead avalanche center

Blase Reardon is set to serve as the new Flathead Avalanche Center Director, the Flathead National Forest announced last week.

He 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 an extensive career of professional avalanche forecasting experience. He has experience working at Forest Service, nonprofit, and state avalanche centers of various sizes ranging from two to 20 employees. Reardon served on the executive committee for the American Avalanche Association and has published numerous peer reviewed and technical publications related to snow science, avalanche education, and awareness. 

“We had many highly qualified applicants for this competitive role, and I am incredibly pleased that Blase has accepted this critical position,” said Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele. “The Avalanche Center, its services and our nonprofit partner Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center continue to provide a great service as demand for winter recreation increases in our community. We look forward to continuing to provide this valuable service, and Blase will fit into this role very well.”

Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center Operations Director Emily Struss praised Reardon’s move into the new position.

“Blase brings decades of forecasting experience and an ability to engage with diverse audiences in writing and in story-telling,” she said. “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.