February 2001
CAIC Backcountry Observers Project
It's 4 a.m. and Scott Toepfer, of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, is busy compiling valuable information about the current snowpack stability for avalanche conscious skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and other backcountry users throughout Colorado.
Across the divide, one of Scott's colleagues, a backcountry observer, is faxing a report about the local snow conditions and avalanche activity that was collected while grooming the trails of a nordic ski center in the morning darkness.
For the winter of 2000/2001, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center began a backcountry observers program by enlisting the help of eight long-time locals of areas in Colorado where the snowpack data is generally limited and backcountry use is on the rise. The observers come from various backgrounds. But, all have lived and worked in their observation areas from 5 to 30 years.
The backcountry observers are a valuable asset to the CIAC in that they are all familiar with the territory and local weather patterns in their area. Each has been trained in avalanche observation skills and report current snowpack data and recent avalanche activity using the standard United States methodology that has been in place for decades. This is a delicate skill as it is easy to overestimate the required data.
As the program continues to grow, other areas, such as the Sangre de Cristos and Cameron Pass, will likely be targeted for observer information. Currently, observers are reporting from the East and West San Juans, the Elks, Rocky Mountain National Park, Summit County and the Flattops. This program has produced twice the usual snowpack data than in the past.
It is still important to remember that the snowpack is only part of the puzzle. Terrain evaluation, weather input, and the human factor all play an important roll in forecasting avalanches. Check out the CAIC website: http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/ for more information on avalanche safety.