Always a good bet for refreshing your knowledge and doing some networking. Meet new backcountry skiing friends, chat up the locals SAR folks, be a part of the community. Information at MountainRescueAspen.org
Avalanche Safety Workshop
Dec 23
Marble Quarry Road — Holiday Closure 2014-2015
According to sources: Colorado Stone Quarries will not plow Quarry Road for about 14 days over the holidays; they do not plan on plowing the road until just before they re-open on Jan. 3rd.
In our experience here at Marbleski, the road may remain drivable for a short while, then become so rutted and deep with snowpack that it’s dangerous and not appropriate to drive. At that time shift to skis or snowmobile. In any case be aware that more than 14 slide paths threaten the road, act accordingly whatever your mode of road travel.
If attempting to drive the unmaintained road before it gets totally snowed in, please use tire chains on a properly equipped 4×4 truck or otherwise high clearance vehicle.
Dec 22
Winter 2014/2015 Now Kicking Along — Christmas
Our biggest storm yet, just before Christmas. Probably lots of avy danger but at least we’re getting the snowpack built up enough to avoid getting tree bark on our boots. Enjoy and be safe.
Dec 02
Winter 2014/2015 off to Slow Start — with Near Miss
Snowpack is thin. It’s going to be hard to catch up now, but Marble does get the precip once the faucet turns on. Be careful. Someone triggered and cleaned out the main bowl a few days ago. Not trivial.
We might have to start treating Marble Bowl like Highlands Bowl, with some intense boot packing in early season, perhaps while elk hunting? Seems like every season we start with a few scary avalanches in the bowl. Those could so easily be prevented with a bit of work. It’s actually a pretty small area. Ten people in October and November could take care of it. Time to be proactive?
