Despite limited snowfall so far this winter, there has already been one avalanche-related fatality. The threat of avalanches exists no matter the snow level.

Due to a cut in funding from Utah State Parks and Recreation from $82,000 to $52,000, the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) has reduced its staff by one.

There are many ways to donate money to the Utah Avalanche Center. Many groups hold fundraisers for the UAC throughout the year, and it can be as simple as attending a movie or buying gear at a swap.

Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center are asking people who enjoy the backcountry in the winter — skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers and more — to consider a direct donation.

Donations can be made online at http://utahavalanchecenter.org/donate or by sending a check to Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, P.O. Box 521353, Salt Lake City, UT 84152