The storm last week really packed a good wallop for our part of the high country. The snow was pushed around by high winds but it was pretty wet and packed well. We used to call that Snowman snow because the balls we rolled for the snowman stuck together so well. Predictions are for more snow by the end of the week.
Since most of the area had pretty much lost its meager base except in higher or shaded areas, groomers have been trying to roll trails to get a decent compacted base. It is pretty skiable – it is soft for skate skiing, classic is better. A few cold nights and more packing will really help set it up. But warm temperatures during the day are not really helping.
AVALANCHE DANGERS
This thick layer of wet snow on top of what was a weak base in the high mountain areas will be a real problem later in the season and create a fracture point prone to avalanches. Last winter season was one of our worst avalanche seasons ever mostly blamed on a weak base and heavy thick layers built up on top of it. The easiest way to avoid triggering an avalanche and getting injured is by checking the statewide forecast and avoiding traveling in backcountry areas with elevated danger, according to Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
This avalanche season marks 50 years of operations for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. CAIC got its start as the Colorado Avalanche Warning Program (CAWP) in 1973 as part of the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station. This was the first program in the US that issued public avalanche forecasts. Today, CAIC remains a leader in avalanche safety, research, and education.
In January 2023 Colorado Public Radio warned if you do recreate in backcountry areas with elevated danger, there are a few warning signs to watch out for. Avalanches typically occur on mountain slopes that are a certain degree angle. The sweet spot is a slope that is 30 to 45 degrees steep, according to CAIC. That’s steeper than most black diamond runs at ski resorts. Measuring slope steepness accurately is difficult, especially for inexperienced skiers and hikers. If you’re unsure about a slope’s steepness, you can look for other clues.
Toppled trees or large clearings in forests can give you a hint that a particular slope is prone to slides. Clearings with few or young trees next to mature trees are a major indicator you’re moving through avalanche terrain.
Cracking or collapsing sounds originating from the snow can also be a warning sign of an impending avalanche. The average human can trigger a slide in a matter of seconds. But you may not get warning signs like cracking or collapsing before triggering a dangerous avalanche.
Backcountry travelers rely on search and rescue volunteers like our own nationally-recognized Grand County Search and Rescue. “Getting caught in a slide is extremely dangerous. Surviving a complete burial after as little as 30 minutes is rare due to oxygen deprivation,” said Greg Foley, a senior member and volunteer with Grand County Search and Rescue. “By the time search and rescue gets there, it’s usually all over,” Foley said. “It’s tough on us emotionally,” he said. “People need to understand that moderate and considerable avalanche danger is not safe enough.”
Officials recommend anyone recreating in the backcountry be trained in avalanche safety and carry standard safety equipment: a beacon, a probe for helping locate a victim and a shovel to uncover them. Colorado Adventure Guides, a new partner for Grand Nordic, offers winter Backcountry Education and Avalanche Safety courses in Grand County some of which are free. Visit https://www.coloradoadventureguides.com/backcountry-education/. Grand Nordic members also get a discount by calling 970-893-8007 for information and to sign up, even for the more expensive AIARE courses.
FREE LESSONS
Don’t forget to start your season right with free lessons even if the snow is still meager or soft. Devils Thumb opens their trails on Saturday Dec 9 offering Norwegian-style Tommelfest festivities which include free lessons from their staff and CU Ski Team coaches. For more information, call the Activities Center at 970-726-8231 or visit https://www.devilsthumbranch.com/events/.
Snow Mountain Ranch hosts the first of two Grand Nordic Free Lessons on Sunday Dec 10 featuring instructors from Grand Nordic, Winter Park Competition Center, Colorado Nordic Masters and Snow Mtn Ranch with morning classes starting at 10a and afternoon classes starting at 1p. Grand Nordic members receive complementary trail pass and equipment if needed. Classes are offered both morning and afternoon for both classic and skate at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels as well as kids 5-10 never-ever skiers, classic and skate. More instructors have been added so more space is now available. For more information call 970-887-0547. To sign up, go to our Events page to pre-register, or show up at the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch to register the day of the lesson.
Learn to enjoy winter in Grand County with friends and family the safe and fun way…
