Each winter, the San Juan Mountains transform into one of the most avalanche-prone landscapes in the entire United States. Whether you are a backcountry skier or rider, snowmobiler, ice climber, or commuter on Highway 550, it's critical to be able to recognize the warning signs of unstable snow and adjust your plan accordingly.

We are excited to present an evening of avalanche education where you will learn about the natural phenomena of avalanches: how they happen, where they happen, and how we can stay out of harm's way. Plus, we will discuss the current state of our snowpack, the current backcountry conditions, and what we can expect in terms of avalanches for the rest of the winter. Join us!

Presented by Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. Main speakers include local CAIC forecasters and avalanche educator Chris Dickson.

Chris's bio: a skier, educator, forecaster and guide with a curious fear of avalanches and a fascination with how humans trigger them. Specifically interesting to Chris is the interplay of people, powder, and our perception of risk when pleasure is on the line. When not teaching safe travel techniques in the backcountry, Chris is preaching about snow and avalanches on his podcast, the San Juan Snowcast, which provides a semi-weekly report of backcountry conditions across the San Juans. Chris also serves as the Director of the Peter Inglis Avalanche Education Fund, which serves to increase avalanche awareness and backcountry safety through free community events and avalanche education scholarships.

Free admission, free beer and chili (carnivore and plant- based). Win awesome prizes.