UNDERSTANDING SNOWPACK

While it may not feel like it, I'm still holding out hope winter will eventually come to the high country, and we'll get some snow. And once that comes, some adventurous people will start flocking to the backcountry in search of deep, untouched powder lines. But as most know, Colorado has a dicey snowpack, and one that can become downright dangerous at times. And I’m talking about the terrifying natural phenomenon known as avalanches.

Here’s what makes Colorado different: We get big storms followed by long, clear, cold periods. During those breaks, the snowpack doesn't just sit there—it's actively deteriorating. Temperature changes within the snowpack cause water vapor to migrate upward, recrystallizing into faceted grains and depth hoar. These crystals have almost no bonds between them. They're ball bearings.

When the next storm rolls in and dumps two feet of dense new snow on top of that weak layer, you've built the perfect avalanche: a cohesive slab sitting on a weak layer with almost nothing holding them together.

There are a couple types of “slabs” to understand. Wind slabs cause most of our fatalities. Even moderate winds—15-20 mph—transport massive amounts of snow from windward to lee slopes, creating dense deposits up to ten times harder than the snow that fell from the sky. These slabs cross-load gullies, fill in beneath cornices, and pile up on rollovers. A single skier weighs enough to initiate failure.

Storm slabs form during rapid loading events. If it's snowing harder than an inch per hour, stay alert.

Terrain selection matters more than any other decision you'll make. Dense timber and low-angle meadows (less than 30 degree slopes) are going to be your safest bet. The fatal mistake is thinking you can outsmart the avalanche problem by being careful on dangerous terrain. You can't finesse a wind-loaded 38-degree slope—you avoid it.

Learn to read the clues. Whumpfing and shooting cracks are the snowpack telling you it's ready to fail. Recent wind effect—smooth pillows, scoured ridges, cornices—tells you where the slabs are. If you punch through a stiff layer with your pole, you've found the slab sitting on the weak layer.

The fine folks at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center do great work, and it’s always recommended to check out what they are observing before heading out.

Carry rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and consider taking an AIARE Level 1 course. Have fun out there, but stay safe. There’s nothing wrong with boring, safe lines when the snowpack is unstable.

WHAT WE’RE READING

This article by 5280 magazine, and the cliff notes are below:

Billy Barr, 75, has lived alone in Colorado's Gunnison National Forest for 54 winters, meticulously recording climate data since 1974. His handwritten notebooks have become an invaluable scientific resource, revealing alarming climate change trends: hibernating animals emerging 38 days earlier, mismatched seasonal timing between species, and record-high temperatures. Despite two hip surgeries and a near-fatal roofing accident, Barr continues his daily measurements from his off-grid cabin at 9,500 feet. As his body weakens, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory is planning how to continue his legacy—though replacing five decades of dedicated observation won't be easy.

THE BRIEFING

Sunrise 6:58 AM
Sunset 5:31 PM
Snow report not great, but storms on the horizon

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TUESDAY

The Golden Mill, Golden- Dine Back Night: Golden High School Boys Lacrosse Team, 5-8pm. 10% back

Colorado Taphouse, Arvada- Nomadic Fire Mobile Sauna, 5-9pm. Sweat it out

Green Mountain Brewery, Lakewood- Weekly Run Club, 6pm. Run, then beers

Holidaily Brewing, Golden- Paints & Pints, 6pm. Have fun

WEDNESDAY

Connects Workspace, Golden- Golden Startup Coffee, 9-11am. Learn more

Amano Coffee & Plants, Kittridge- Charm Necklace Workshop, 5-7pm. Cozy Evening

Miners Saloon, Golden- Live music Wednesdays, 6-9pm.

Scully’s Cafe, Golden- Open Mic Night, 6-8pm. Show off

Intrinsic Collective, Golden- Wine, Women, & Wealth, 6:30-8pm. Meet up

THURSDAY

The Golden Mill, Golden- Apres Thursday, 5-8pm. Good Vibes

Little Bear Saloon, Evergreen- Complimentary Wine Tasing Night, 5:30pm. Reserve a spot

Runner’s Roost, Golden- Weekly Run Club, meet at 6pm

BP Run Co, Wheat Ridge- Weekly run club, starting at 6pm. Lace ‘em up

Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Thank you Thursday. Locals get 10% off all day while the kitchen is open, and a great warm up for Open Mic Night 👇️ 

Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Almost Famous Open Mic Night, starting at 7pm

Genesee Pub, Genesee- Open Mic Night, 6pm

FRIDAY

Center for the Arts, Evergreen- Sip & Shop, 1-5pm. Enjoy

Cheese Ranch Artisan Deli, Golden- Fondue Friday, 5pm. Yummy

Aspen Peak Cellars, Bailey- Valentines 3- Course Wine Pairing Dinner, 5pm. Get tix

New Terrain Brewing, Golden- Valentine’s Day Beer + Chocolate Truffle Pairing. Save your spot

Mines Museum, Golden- The Science of Wine: A Valentine’s Tasting Experience, 6-7:30pm. Flavor

Center Stage, Evergreen- Evergreen Players Improv Comedy, 7:30-9:30pm. Have fun

Gnarly’s Theater, Golden- Gals and Pals Valentine Comedy Show, 8-10pm. Grab your besties

The Woodcellar, Evergreen- Electric Whiskey Experiment, 8pm. Rock on

SATURDAY

Amano Coffee & Plants, Kittridge- Custom Fresh Ventures Bouquet Pop-Up, 9am-3pm. Fresh plants

Snowpack Taproom, Conifer- Saturday Morning Yoga, 10-11am. Flow State

Downtown Evergreen- Sups & Chocolate, 4-7pm. Chocolatey tour

Deep Roots Winery, Golden- Dead Red Night Wine Tasting, 6pm. Get tickets

Buffalo Rose, Golden- Cody Qualls: Valentines Tribute to Great American Songs, 7pm. Classics

Evermore Cafe, Evergreen- 4 Course Valentine’s Dinner, 7pm. Limited Seating 

SUNDAY

Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden- Board Game Night, 5pm-close. Have fun

MONDAY

Golden Game Guild, Golden- Teach Me to Play Mondays, 6-9pm. Learn new games

New Terrain Brewing Co, Golden- Yoga on Tap 🧘 Yoga from 6-7pm, beers anytime. Get your ticket

10th Mountain Division solider driving a “weasel”, 1943. We’re kind of becoming obsessed with the 10th Mountain Division over here at Foothill Crew…

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See you around the next bend!