FHL: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us about the Roaring Fork Avalanche Center.
Brian: You’re Welcome!
FHL: So how long has the Center been in existence and what are the goals of your facility?
Brian: The Roaring Fork Avalanche Center was formed in March of 2005 and 05/06 will be our first season of forecasting. It is our goal to promote avalanche safety, awareness and education by providing detailed, field based avalanche forecasts and observations for the mountains of this area. We also hope to promote and improve communication opportunities for both recreational and professional backcountry travelers.
FHL: Colorado is home to some of the best skiing in the world. You guys have had quite a bit of snow in some areas already and unfortunately one fatality thus far this season. What would be your advice to Colorado Backcountry users as well as BC adventurers in general?
Brian: I would have to agree with the great skiing in Colorado. It is a wonderful place. We did have an unfortunate start to the season with an early fatality on Berthod Pass. I think that incident caught some people by surprise. Early season, it can be tough to start thinking about avalanches, especially so soon after we have put the summer toys away. Any time there is snow on the ground we need to be thinking about avalanches.
Colorado has had some good early season snow though it has favored the northern mountains. Other areas are near or below average for this time of year. Right now we have a highly variable snowpack and that makes decision making difficult this time of year. For early season advice 1) remember all the safety gear, beacon, shovel, probe, and a partner. 2 ) with such a variable snowpack remember that information like snow pits may not translate well to another slope, aspect, or change in elevation. Be aware of the changes and make lots of observations!
FHL: How many Forecasters do you have? How can others become involved in your program?
Brian: Right now we have two full time forecasters and should have a forecast out 7 days a week. We have one other person that may help part time. We are hoping to get a good group of local volunteer observers going. This program will not only help our forecast product, but will also train these volunteer’s to take better observations and improve their skills. If any one is interested they can send us an e-mail.
FHL: Along with people that are backcountry touring, a younger generation is beginning to explore the BC areas as a local for building jumps and other features to play on. The obvious risks still apply, so what can you recommend for the young ones out there?
Brian: I have taught a lot of avalanche courses and can remember the first time this question came up. I had a student 6 or 8 years ago who said his only purpose for taking the course was to build jumps in the backcountry. It is something avalanche educators are beginning to address. This season we are bringing a new avalanche awareness course to middle and high school students in the valley to start to educate them on the backcountry. For the younger generation, go out and get educated on the avalanche basics and know when you may be at risk. You can start with an awareness class and move up to level 1 and 2 courses as your skills and experience improves.
FHL: Do you have a Website with up to date info? Is there a phone number?
Brian: The web site is at www.rfavalanche.org and we will keep a phone line updated at 970-920-1664
FHL: Is the Roaring Fork Center putting any events on this year that involve the public? (I.e. Fundraisers, Courses, etc.)
Brian: So far this season we have hosted an avalanche awareness night that was on November 18th and our big fundraiser was last night November 22nd at the Wheeler Opera House with a silent auction and a showing of “Waiting Game”. Future events have yet to be determined but will be posted on the website when they are confirmed.
FHL: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We hope that by sharing these answers with FHL, all of us can become more aware of avalanche avoidance and backcountry safety.
Brian: Thanks for the great questions and feel free to contact us with any more!
Brian: You’re Welcome!
FHL: So how long has the Center been in existence and what are the goals of your facility?
Brian: The Roaring Fork Avalanche Center was formed in March of 2005 and 05/06 will be our first season of forecasting. It is our goal to promote avalanche safety, awareness and education by providing detailed, field based avalanche forecasts and observations for the mountains of this area. We also hope to promote and improve communication opportunities for both recreational and professional backcountry travelers.
FHL: Colorado is home to some of the best skiing in the world. You guys have had quite a bit of snow in some areas already and unfortunately one fatality thus far this season. What would be your advice to Colorado Backcountry users as well as BC adventurers in general?
Brian: I would have to agree with the great skiing in Colorado. It is a wonderful place. We did have an unfortunate start to the season with an early fatality on Berthod Pass. I think that incident caught some people by surprise. Early season, it can be tough to start thinking about avalanches, especially so soon after we have put the summer toys away. Any time there is snow on the ground we need to be thinking about avalanches.
Colorado has had some good early season snow though it has favored the northern mountains. Other areas are near or below average for this time of year. Right now we have a highly variable snowpack and that makes decision making difficult this time of year. For early season advice 1) remember all the safety gear, beacon, shovel, probe, and a partner. 2 ) with such a variable snowpack remember that information like snow pits may not translate well to another slope, aspect, or change in elevation. Be aware of the changes and make lots of observations!
FHL: How many Forecasters do you have? How can others become involved in your program?
Brian: Right now we have two full time forecasters and should have a forecast out 7 days a week. We have one other person that may help part time. We are hoping to get a good group of local volunteer observers going. This program will not only help our forecast product, but will also train these volunteer’s to take better observations and improve their skills. If any one is interested they can send us an e-mail.
FHL: Along with people that are backcountry touring, a younger generation is beginning to explore the BC areas as a local for building jumps and other features to play on. The obvious risks still apply, so what can you recommend for the young ones out there?
Brian: I have taught a lot of avalanche courses and can remember the first time this question came up. I had a student 6 or 8 years ago who said his only purpose for taking the course was to build jumps in the backcountry. It is something avalanche educators are beginning to address. This season we are bringing a new avalanche awareness course to middle and high school students in the valley to start to educate them on the backcountry. For the younger generation, go out and get educated on the avalanche basics and know when you may be at risk. You can start with an awareness class and move up to level 1 and 2 courses as your skills and experience improves.
FHL: Do you have a Website with up to date info? Is there a phone number?
Brian: The web site is at www.rfavalanche.org and we will keep a phone line updated at 970-920-1664
FHL: Is the Roaring Fork Center putting any events on this year that involve the public? (I.e. Fundraisers, Courses, etc.)
Brian: So far this season we have hosted an avalanche awareness night that was on November 18th and our big fundraiser was last night November 22nd at the Wheeler Opera House with a silent auction and a showing of “Waiting Game”. Future events have yet to be determined but will be posted on the website when they are confirmed.
FHL: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We hope that by sharing these answers with FHL, all of us can become more aware of avalanche avoidance and backcountry safety.
Brian: Thanks for the great questions and feel free to contact us with any more!