Fireside Chat February 9th
The Fireside Chat is back on Thursday, February 9th with Dr. Jeff Deems. Jeff is the Co-Founder, CTO, and Formulation Lead for Airborne Snow Observatories, Inc as well as a scientist at the CIRES National Snow and Ice Data Center. He explores spatial variability in mountain snowpacks using lidar remote sensing, physical modeling, field measurements, and of course, climbing skins and skis. He has spent many hours flying over and touring the snowpack of the Upper Gunnison Valley in an effort to understand the nature of mountain snowpacks. In this Fireside Chat, we will look at using Airborne Snow Observatories data to get accurate inventories of basin snowpacks and explore some emerging best practices for using digital mapping tools to navigate avalanche terrain and risk. We will be at Tully’s in CB South, starting at 7:00 pm but feel free to show up early to grab a drink, some delicious food, and catch up with your buddies.
Trailhead Day at Snodgrass
Snow looks to return to the Gunnison Valley this weekend, stop by and chat with CBAC staff for the latest info on the changing avalanche conditions as well as maps, stickers, rescue cards and some snacks for your adventure.
Trailhead Day-Ohio Pass Trailhead
CBAC staff will be at the Ohio Pass Trailhead this Saturday, January 14th providing up-to-the-minute reports and conditions from the backcountry. Stop and say “hey” and grab a free map, snacks, rescue cards and stickers.
New Encyclopedia on Avalanche.org
We’re excited to announce the release of a completely new encyclopedia on avalanche.org. We think it’s a great resource for learning or refreshing your avalanche knowledge, with over 250 terms organized into sections relating to avalanches, snowpack, terrain, weather, and human factors. CBAC lead forecaster Zach Guy authored this project with contributions and revisions from the National Avalanche Center, the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, and the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center. The American Avalanche Association and the National Avalanche Center orchestrated and funded the project.
Here’s the link, which is also under our resources tab: https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/
New Accidents Map
We just published an interactive accidents map that allows users to explore and read reports of avalanche fatalities, injuries, and burials in the Crested Butte forecast area as a learning resource. You can access the map under the “Resources” tab on our website, or at this link. Although we did our best to dig up old accident accounts, some of our records may be incomplete.
Trailhead Day #4-Snodgrass TH
CBAC will be at the Snodgrass Trailhead this Saturday, December 31st. We are sending out 2022 with a bang as the Atmospheric River has returned! Come out for the latest avalanche conditions, friendly banter, maps, stickers, snacks, music and more.
The Backcountry Podcast
Executive Director Than Acuff recaps where the CBAC came from and where it is going in this exciting new Podcast from Backcountry Magazine.
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The CBAC’s budget is dependent on donations from our users. CBAC receives minimal governmental support, so your donation is critical in supporting a locally generated avalanche and weather forecast, seven days per week, all winter long. We do it every day!
Holiday Special: Apres Ski Premier
Join the CBAC and local Olympian Aaron Blunck for the Holiday Special Après ski premier hosted by Epic Western Cocktails. We will be premiering two films “The Bulldog” and Head Skis “Feel Real” by Blank Collective.
Where: Elevation Hotel and Spa
When: Dec. 23rd 2022 4-7 pm
After party from 8-11 p.m. at Talk of the Town
Family friendly, Raffle prizes, silent auction, Films, Poster Signing, Epic Western Cocktails, all proceeds will be donated to Living Journeys and the Crested Butte Avalanche Center.
Trailhead Day #3-Slate River TH
Join CBAC and Irwin Guides for this special event with free beacon skills training. Come by anytime from 9:00am to 2:00pm for the latest information on snowpack, conditions, local maps, and snacks or to chat about anything backcountry related. At 10:00 am, 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, Irwin guides training staff will be available for free 1-hour beacons skills training. No sign-up is necessary, show up with your over-snow gear and rescue equipment. If you don’t have rescue gear, we will have beacons, shovels and probes on hand to borrow. Email cbavalanche@gmail.com with any questions about the event.