New tools meant to expand access to avalanche information for the public, making it easier to understand current conditions, have been launched by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), including a new map-based Weather Station Map display, expanded Avalanche Accident Data Display, improved Media Gallery, and upgrades to public Field Reports.
“As a backcountry skier, I know that more information is always better when it comes to making safe decisions in the mountains. 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.” – Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
The new Weather Stations Map was one of the most frequently requested tools from the public, allowing users to view real-time data from hundreds of weather stations throughout Colorado. This includes sites operated by ski areas, the Colorado Department of Transportation, CAIC, and the SNOTEL Network. While the existing Weather Station Observations page will remain active, this upgraded platform offers a more visual way to explore the data.
The Avalanche Accident Data Display now provides a clearer, more comprehensive view of avalanche incidents both in Colorado and across the country, featuring summary tables highlighting travel mode and charts that show trends for both Colorado and the U.S. CAIC has also added quality-checked historical Colorado records to expand the database with fatal avalanche accidents dating back to 1997.
The public field reports improvements include more detailed location information with both a general report area and the specific location of each avalanche, a mobile-friendly display for phones and tablets, and a smoother upload process with easier image posting. Lastly, the expanded Media Gallery will allow users to search, sort, and browse thousands of images and videos from field observations and accident investigations, with improved search functions, easier navigation between image views, a system for CAIC forecasters to rate images, and more.
The statewide avalanche forecast and observations, along with the updated and new features, are available here.
