Photo: CAIC Kendall Mountain Weather Station above Silverton.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has launched new tools that expand access to avalanche information and make it easier for the public to understand current conditions.
“We want people traveling in the backcountry to have the best information possible,” said Ethan Greene, Director of CAIC. “These tools improve access to trustworthy data and help people understand current conditions before heading out into the mountains.”
The updates, now available on CAIC’s website, include a new map-based Weather Station Map display, expanded Avalanche Accident Data Display, improved Media Gallery, and upgrades to public Field Reports. The tools are part of CAIC’s mission to make avalanche safety information easier to find, understand and use.
“As a backcountry skier, I know that more information is always better when it comes to making safe decisions in the mountains,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “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.”
Weather Stations Map
One of the most frequently requested tools from the public, the new Weather Stations Map displays real-time data from hundreds of weather stations across Colorado, including sites operated by ski areas, the SNOTEL network, CDOT, and CAIC. The tool offers a deeper look at the meteorological data behind CAIC’s forecasts, making it easier to track weather trends over time and understand how changing conditions influence avalanche hazard and snowpack development. The existing Weather Station Observations page will remain available, but this upgraded platform offers a more visual, user-friendly way to explore the data.
Avalanche Accident Data Display
CAIC has expanded its avalanche accident database to provide a clearer, more comprehensive view of avalanche incidents in Colorado and nationwide. The database features summary tables highlighting travel mode, along with charts showing trends for both Colorado and the U.S. New for the 2025–26 winter season, CAIC has added and quality-checked historical Colorado records, expanding the database to include fatal avalanche accidents dating back to 1997 and non-fatal involvements dating back to 2011. The site also continues to track fatal avalanche accidents across the U.S. from 2009 to the present.
Field Report Improvements
CAIC’s website publishes observations of snow, weather, and avalanche conditions submitted by CAIC staff, outdoor and avalanche professionals, and the public. These Field Reports are available in the Observations section of the website. This year, CAIC improved the system to make reports easier to submit and read. Updates include more detailed location information showing both a general report area and the specific location of each avalanche, plus a mobile-friendly display for phones and tablets. The upload process is also smoother, with easier image posting and support for native video.
Media Gallery
The expanded Media Gallery lets people search, sort, and browse thousands of images and videos from field observations and accident investigations. The gallery will feature improved search functions, easier navigation between image views, a system for CAIC forecasters to rate images to highlight important media, and links back to original reports.
“We encourage everyone to explore these tools now, learn how to use them, and check the forecast before heading into the backcountry,” Greene added. The new features, along with statewide avalanche forecasts and observations, are available at colorado.gov/avalanche.
About CAIC
CAIC is a state agency within the Department of Natural Resources that is dedicated to public avalanche safety. Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Our mission is to provide avalanche information, education and promote research for the protection of life, property, and the enhancement of the state’s economy.