Winter 2023-2024 First Ski

Even if we ski every month througout the year, there's something magical about the season's first snowfall. This excitement brought us to Brainard Lake Winter Parking bright and early on October 29th 2023, right after a generous dumping of over 30 centimeters of fresh pow on top of the bare ground. We started at 0800, eager to lay down the season's first tracks. Caution was our watchword, though, as "sharks" lurked beneath the snow's surface, so we opted for a more relaxed approach on skins with minimal downhill action.

All in all, it was the perfect, mellow start to what promises to be another epic ski season.

Author: jos

Date: 10/29/2023

Weather Observations for the 2023-2024 Ski Season (CoWx)

To effectively monitor and understand the development of avalanche risks as the 2023-2024 ski season progresses in Colorado, this post will act as a chronological log detailing snowfall observations in Colorado. By consistently recording these observations and performing comprehensive evaluations of the snowpack, this resource aims to enhance safety and awareness for all backcountry users.

Throughout the season, the following assessments will be conducted and documented:

• Weather Observations
• Snowpit analysis
• Extended Column Tests (ECT)
• Compression Tests (CT)
• Propagation Saw Tests (PST)

Snowfall Log

Below is a record of snowfall events, including dates, locations, amounts, and relevant observations:

Glossary of Acronyms

• IPW: Indian Peaks Wilderness
• HN: Height of New Snow in Centimeters
• HS: Height of Snowpack
• N/O: Not Observed
• CoWx: Short for Colorado Weather

Season Pictures: Southface of South Arapho Peak 2023-11-07

Last Updated : 2023-11-09

Author: jos

Date: 10/29/2023

Wilderness First Responder

Notes from my Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Training in November 2023.

The NOLS Version of the PAS Follows a Pyramid:

First Step When Approaching an Accident Scene

Scene Size-up (1-5)

• Safety: Is the scene safe?
• Incident Overview: Make a quick assessment. What happened? Consider the Mechanics of Injury (MOI).
• Protection: Don PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and perform BFI (Body Fluid Isolation).
• Patient Count: Are there more patients than those visible?
• Scene Assessment: Assess the overall vibe of the scene. Check if the person is breathing and alive.

Move In (CCC)

• Consciousness: Is the patient conscious?
• Consent: Obtain consent to treat.
• Spine Control: Consider the necessity of spine control.

Initial Assessment

• Airway: Ensure it is clear.
• Breathing: Check the breathing status.
• Circulation: Assess circulation.
• Disability Decision: Make decisions regarding spine control.
• Exposure: Identify the chief complaint and conduct a thorough check; expose the area of complaint.

Head to Toe to Back

• Perform an examination from head to toe.
• Check behind ears, in ears, nose, and mouth for fluids.
• Assess CSM (Circulation, Sensation, and Motion) in both feet and hands (4 times each).

Vital Signs

• LOR: Level of Responsiveness. Is the patient Awake and Oriented x4 (A+Ox4)?
• HR: Heart Rate. Assess if it's regular or irregular, strong or weak.
• RR: Respiratory Rate. Observe rhythm and quality.
• SCTM: Skin. Check Color, Temperature, and Moisture.
• BP: Blood Pressure.
• P: Pupils.
• C: (Component to be clarified)

History

• Chief Complaint
• Demographics: Age and Sex
• SAMPLE: Symptoms, Allergies, Medication, Pertinent Medical History, Last Intake (food/drink), Last Output (urine/stool)
• Last Intake/Output
• OPQRSTU: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time, Patient Understanding
• Events: Relevant events leading up to the injury.

Author: jos

Date: 11/23/2023