COLORADO (KREX) — On Wednesday, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) announced that it launched new tools on its website to expand public access to avalanche information.
The new tools and upgrades include a new map-based Weather Station Map display, an expanded Avalanche Accident Data Display, improved media gallery and upgrades to public field reports. These updates are part of CAIC’s mission to make avalanche safety information easier to locate and more accessible to the public, especially recreationists travelling in the backcountry.
“We want people traveling in the backcountry to have the best information possible,” said Director of CAIC Ethan Greene. “These tools improve access to trustworthy data and help people understand current conditions before heading out into the mountains.”
A photo of the Upper Taylor Snotel Weather Station located in Gunnison County, Colorado (CAIC/Courtesy)
“As a backcountry skier, I know that more information is always better when it comes to making safe decisions in the mountains,” said Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources Dan Gibbs. “The Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s forecasts are relied on by many winter recreationists across the state. These new data, reporting and visualization features will help people better understand conditions, make smarter choices, and ultimately protect lives. I congratulate the CAIC team on continuing to lead the nation in avalanche safety.”
New CAIC Website Tool Details
Weather Stations Map
A screenshot of the new Weather Station Map on CAIC’s website.
The Weather Stations Map, one of the most frequently requested tools according to CAIC, displays real-time data from weather stations across the state and offers a deeper look into the meteorological data behind CAIC’s forecasts in a “more visual, user-friendly way.” CAIC states that its existing Weather Station Observations page on its site will remain available for public access.
Avalanche Accident Data Display
The avalanche accident database expansion features summary tables that highlight travel mode, current winter season trends in Colorado and the United States and include added quality-checked historical state records. These records cover fatal avalanche accidents dating back to 1997 and non-fatal accidents since 2011. The CAIC site will continue to track fatal avalanche accidents nationwide from 2009 to the present.
Media Gallery
A photo of a wind slab avalanche under the Putney Weather Station at Prospect Gulch in Silverton, Colorado. (CAIC/Courtesy).
The updated Media Gallery allows the public to search, sort, and browse images and videos from field observations and accident investigations. The gallery features improved search functions, easier navigation between image views, links back to their original reports, and an image-rating system for CAIC forecasters to highlight media.
Field Report Improvements
CAIC improved its system of observations of weather and avalanche conditions, which are submitted by staff, outdoor and avalanche professionals, and the general public. These improvements feature detailed location information for avalanches and an updated incident upload process.
“We encourage everyone to explore these tools now, learn how to use them, and check the forecast before heading into the backcountry,” Greene said.
For more details regarding the new public avalanche data, reporting and visualization tools, visit avalanche.state.co.us.
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