Avalanche Terrain Map for Crested Butte
We’re excited to release an Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) map of the Crested Butte forecast area to help you with tour planning. ATES is a scale used to categorize the severity of avalanche exposure, strictly based on the landscape, regardless of snowpack conditions. The ATES scale classifies terrain into five categories based on slope angle, forest density, slope shape, terrain traps, avalanche frequency/magnitude, starting zone size and density, runout zone characteristics, interaction with avalanche paths, and route options for managing exposure. See the draft definitions of the five-level scale (V.2) below.
For this year-long project, we partnered with OnX and Beacon Guidebooks to categorize terrain around Crested Butte as Simple (Class 1 = Green), Challenging (Class 2 = Blue), Complex (Class 3 = Black), and Extreme (Class 4 = Red). We used an automated model approach called AutoATES, and calibrated the release areas and runout models using historical data from our avalanche records and local experience to tweak model inputs such as tree density and alpha angles. Although models are never perfect, the map should provide a useful resource for route planning and identifying what terrain is relatively more or less exposed to avalanche hazards. Remember that this map is independent of snowpack conditions; some days it is safe to travel in complex terrain, and other days it is dangerous. And you can still get into trouble in simple terrain under certain conditions. This map is available for free on our website here, or under the “Resources” tab on our website menu. Bookmark it as another tool! You can also use this map offline in the field using the OnX app (subscription required).
“When snowpack is the question, terrain is the answer!”
New Observation Platform
The CBAC is rolling out a new observation platform this season, in partnership with the National Avalanche Center. This platform will be used by most avalanche centers around the country, so you’ll be looking at the same familiar tools if you go skiing or riding in California, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, etc. The platform also improves our analysis capabilities and data management, and is better suited for future developments like a mobile app.
The observation form is intuitive. You can choose between the short form for simple text descriptions and photo uploads, or a long form which allows you to enter avalanche and weather details, along with problem assessments. The observation viewer has three tabs: observations, avalanches, and visualization tools. Check them out! There are a few examples below. As with any new tool, there will be a bit of a learning curve for all of us, but hopefully you’ll find some of the new features helpful for your backcountry adventures.
FAQ’s
Do I have to provide a location when I submit an observation?
Yes, the form requires a location name and a map pin. The location is used in our analysis tools and it is helpful for us to understand how your observation fits into a bigger picture of regional patterns. If you’d prefer to protect your secret stash, you can drop a pin at the trailhead where you started from or in the general area of travel.
What about observations from previous seasons?
All observations from previous seasons are archived on our website still. You can find them under “Resources” from the website menu. We are working on ingesting historical avalanche data into this new tool.
Where is the old avalanche rose?
The new visualization tools allow you to filter your search spatially or by avalanche size, aspect, elevation, trigger, problem, etc, similar to the rose. We are currently working on linking the new database to our avalanche rose so that it still functions. We’ll add it back to the website when/if that happens.
What if I don’t want to fill out an observation form?
You can still text us (970-444-2170), email us (cbavalanche@gmail.com), or tell us what you saw at the trailhead.
A mobile app?
The Northwest Avalanche Center has been developing a mobile app with offline functionality. We will be working with them to make this resource available to our community in the future.
CBAC 2022/23 Annual Report
CBAC’s 2021/22 Annual Report is available to view or download here. The report relives one of the biggest winters of this century, along with the outreach and operational accomplishments of the CBAC. We also recognize the many sponsors, donors, and partners who are critical to our mission. Thank you!
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/
CBAC 2021/22 Annual Report
CBAC’s 2021/22 Annual Report is available for download here or in the PDF viewer below. The report relives a winter of feast or famine and highlights the outreach and operational accomplishments of the CBAC. We also recognize the many sponsors, donors, and partners who are critical to our mission. Thank you!
CBAC_AnnualReport_2021_22_2
CBAC Internship position
The Crested Butte Avalanche Center is seeking an intern for the upcoming 2022/23 season. Roles include but are not limited to: supervised and independent fieldwork and documentation, writing weekly snowpack summaries, assisting in outreach and education programs, packing and mitigation in municipal avalanche zones, editing fieldwork videos, and various other operational tasks. This mentorship opportunity is unpaid but does include a small stipend. A 3-month commitment is required at a minimum, with an expectation for 2 to 3 full work days per week. Qualified candidates will have a minimum training of Avalanche Pro 1 (or equivalent) and advanced backcountry travel skills. Please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to zach(at)cbavy.org by June 24, 2022.