Scott Toepfer of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center says conditions will hopefully improve, but there’s nothing like knowing your stuff to keep yourself safe in the backcountry. To this end, the CAIC is involved in a variety of projects that help keep individuals who want to go into Colorado’s mountains in the winter informed and educated so they can make the best decisions. These projects include:
Backcountry Forecasts: Location specific forecasts for mountain ranges around the state: http:// avalanche.state.co.us/pub_ bc.php
Education: Classes, seminars and more, including a Dec. 10 rescue course at Arapahoe Basin: http://avalanche.state. co.us/pub/edu.php
Hotlines: The number to call before you head out into the backcountry Front Range 303-275-5360 (Denver) Front Range 970-498-5311 (Fort Collins) Vail/Summit County 970-668- 0600 Sawatch 719-395-4994 (Buena Vista) Sawatch 719-520-0020 (Colorado Springs) Aspen 970-920-1664 North and South San Juan 970- 247-8187
