Colorado Weather Discussion Thread

**Foggy_Goggles** · 12-14-2018, 09:51 AM

Babbling out load....

The culture of safety really is being eroded by social media. I think we owe it to our sport to do a better job of identifying and managing it. Instead of us crusty fucks looking the other way and simply saying the "safety coming before pictures and videos" perhaps we should realize that people do go out in the backcountry to "get the shot" and should focus more on how to do that safely.

{/old guy going skiing]

**Name Redacted** · 12-14-2018, 09:53 AM

Or just let Darwin take care of it.

**zartagen** · 12-14-2018, 09:58 AM

More than once, I've been in the runout below Marvin's thinking, and saying out loud to my partners, "let's get the fuck out of here, those beaters up there are gonna kill us!"

So, there's a possibility of Darwin collateral damage

**turbomike15** · 12-14-2018, 10:03 AM

sorry for posting that vid and opening this can of worms, maybe we could lament about the lack of snow for the next 2 weeks instead?

**Name Redacted** · 12-14-2018, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by zartagen

More than once, I've been in the runout below Marvin's thinking, and saying out loud to my partners, "let's get the fuck out of here, those beaters up there are gonna kill us!"

So, there's a possibility of Darwin collateral damage

So you were in the runout of a known slide path with people on it, therefore, Darwin might say you were just as culpable in your demise as the folks up top, if not more so.

**Wildman** · 12-14-2018, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by jpcmoriarty

I’ve always had similar feelings towards that line/face. It’s a sweet send for those that want to go for it, but the history of it sliding on moderate days is prominent over the years. Most of the guys that I know who ski it regularly have all gone for a ride at some point. In my opinion there is much better skiing around the corner.

Seeing all this sure makes me miss the years of skiing that zone everyday. Sounds like it’s been a good month in EV

Agreed. I have had some of the deepest days of my life back there. 2010/11 was I think the best. I also drooled at east Marvin’s but always kept going towards the point. EV demands respect.

**simple** · 12-14-2018, 10:34 AM

Ok ok don't twist words. Leave that to the weather forecasters.

**The SnowShow** · 12-14-2018, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by hatchgreenchile

Risk tolerance is a funny thing.

Yeah. Age and having kids certainly changes that.

**zartagen** · 12-14-2018, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by shredgnar

So you were in the runout of a known slide path with people on it, therefore, Darwin might say you were just as culpable in your demise as the folks up top, if not more so.

I wouldn't constitute being in the far end of the runout, traversing across after skiing a safer line while beaters are rolling 6 deep in the start zone(s) of Marvin's as being culpable in the Darwin award. I guess it's just a fact of life in EV these days that people are gonna drop above you and do stupid shit, but I wouldn't say that makes the decision to ski it a bad decision.

**The SnowShow** · 12-14-2018, 12:39 PM

Anyway, back to weather: mid 50s/60s in Denver next week. The mtn biking should be primo.

**simple** · 12-14-2018, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by The SnowShow

Anyway, back to weather: mid 50s/60s in Denver next week. The mtn biking should be primo.

Yeah primo....on those 4 trail systems you can ride....

Dakota is worthy. The rest...meh

**The SnowShow** · 12-14-2018, 02:35 PM

https://youtu.be/qDHJupZwqjU

**doebedoe** · 12-14-2018, 02:38 PM

Lots of nice turns at Berthoud this AM, but the way it was warming up I'd guess anything S/E facing will be nice and crusty tomorrow.

**jpcm** · 12-14-2018, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by zartagen

I wouldn't constitute being in the far end of the runout, traversing across after skiing a safer line while beaters are rolling 6 deep in the start zone(s) of Marvin's as being culpable in the Darwin award. I guess it's just a fact of life in EV these days that people are gonna drop above you and do stupid shit, but I wouldn't say that makes the decision to ski it a bad decision.

We once had a really close call on that upper exit traverse. On the far north/west side, almost at the very end, our crew was hit with a slide triggered from above. Not sure what they were doing skiing there, sort of a shitty line but people end up all over the place.
Our first guy had just made the corner and was safe, middle guy was hit hard, pulled off the track, and ragged dolled pretty good. I was the last in the group and was able to self arrest in place. Could have been a really bad situation as there was definitely a point we all were exposed.
It made us rethink how we ski back there. Whenever skiing the tweeners/Abraham’s side, I like to use the lowest possible exit, even if it means putting it in. A small, fast moving group limits exposure time to other skiers. Also, now prefer double dipping into the less skied areas. It’s a great zone but the skier congestion adds another complicated factor that can’t be neglected.

In weather news, 57 and sunny in fort collins today. All the low trails are in great shape

**I've seen black diamonds!** · 12-14-2018, 06:53 PM

Over 40 degrees at 10,000' in the Indian Peaks today, with light wind and no cloud cover. Plenty of melting going on, in addition to the usual wind bullshit. Will need to be slightly clever to find good snow until it snows again.

Click image for larger version.

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**summit** · 12-14-2018, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

Yikes! i guess I am truly becoming aware that "posting shit on social media because it is fun and makes me look cool" really has become "I'm a semi-famous Insta Ho and I need to get the shot for my sponsors".

So yeah, from what I have seen is the Berthoud Pass/FRV area, the classic buried weak layer condition is evident. Please try to stay cautious in your decision making and don't out think the situation. From the avi center:

"That's pretty solid and widespread evidence that the threat of triggering a large and destructive avalanche breaking on persistent weak layers buried by mid to late November snowfall is alive and well."

Go find some meadows or some trees.

Human factors researcher Dr. Ian McCammon in 2002 known for avalanche systems like Lemons, ALPTRUTh, and FACETS. I told him how teach some extra Cs when I teach his human factors mnemonic... specifically Cameras which encompasses everything from Kodak Courage to Social Image to Perverse Incentives in sponsored athletes/blogers. Ian liked my idea.

But it used to only be the big name bloggers who needed to create constant content for sponsors (eg Steve Romeo RIP). But you point out that the constant need for content is a pressure on the new multitude of small scale brand ambassadors (a concept which is the product of social media) which yields a whole new class of perversly incentivized semisponsored "Insta Hos." "Insta Ho" you taught me a new one!!!

**doebedoe** · 12-14-2018, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

Over 40 degrees at 10,000' in the Indian Peaks today, with light wind and no cloud cover. Plenty of melting going on, in addition to the usual wind bullshit. Will need to be slightly clever to find good snow until it snows again.

We need to go for a dog tour. Our pups match.

**The SnowShow** · 12-14-2018, 10:27 PM

Hoji was out skiing Peak One today. IG is good for something.

**Jellybeans1000** · 12-15-2018, 06:59 AM

The pattern doesn't look so good out in the long term for Colorado. Models don't do badly though.
https://longrangesnowcenter.blogspot...rm-dec-15.html