Colorado Avalanche Information Center fundraiser at Telluride's Opera House, 12/14

13 Dec Colorado Avalanche Information Center fundraiser at Telluride's Opera House, 12/14

Ann Mellick

Tuesday, December 14, 6:30 p.m., Sheridan Opera House, Colorado Avalanche Information hosts a fundraiser. The event features ski and snow films courtesy of Mountainfilm in Telluride, including the feature, "The Edge of Never," as well as some shorts by local filmmaker Mark Plantz.  Beer (included in the ticket price of $15 to benefit CAIC's Northern San Juan field office) thanks to Stone Brewery. In addition there will be auction items, including a Telluride ski pass.

Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard.The purpose of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center is to minimize the economic and human impact of snow avalanches on recreation, tourism, commerce, industry and the citizens of the state. With a staff of just 15 avalanche professionals, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center achieves its purpose two ways: forecasting and public education.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center provides daily local backcountry weather and avalanche forecasts and education opportunities for the public. Additionally, CAIC highway forecasters, working in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Transportation, help keep mountain passes safe for public travel and commerce during the snowy – fingers crossed for this year –  season.

The Northern San Juan field office began operations in 2006. The local forecaster has both backcountry and highway forecasting duties in the region. The CAIC’s Northern San Juan field office is largely funded by donations, thus community support is vital to the program’s continued success.

Ann Mellick is the Avalanche Forecaster for the Northern San Juans.