Daily avalanche forecasts resumed across Colorado on November 1, but winter is off to a slow start. Snow remains scarce in the high country, and the avalanche danger is rated LOW because there simply isn’t enough snow to create widespread risk. However, that will change as the first significant storms begin to build the snowpack in the coming weeks.
Now is a great time to refresh your avalanche awareness, check your gear, and prepare for the winter season ahead. New this year, CAIC has partnered with AIARE and NWAC to launch Avalanche Aware eLearning, a free, on-demand introduction to avalanche safety. It’s a useful starting point for anyone who spends time exploring Colorado’s snow-covered mountains. In about one hour, the course explains how avalanches form, how to spot warning signs, and how to use CAIC forecasts to make informed decisions.
After finishing the eLearning course, you can continue learning by attending a local Avalanche Aware event in your area or enrolling in a course. These programs help build confidence and provide the skills needed to travel more safely in the backcountry.
Avalanche Aware is a national education program developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education in partnership with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and the Northwest Avalanche Center.
For daily forecasts, field observations, and a statewide calendar of education events, visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Written by Theresa Blake Graven. Theresa is a Public Information Officer for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
