The CAIC issues daily avalanche forecasts for 27,656 square miles of mountainous terrain in Colorado. They do this with only 21 forecasting staff.

 To provide the best and most accurate public safety product possible, the CAIC relies on observations from the public, ski patrols, guide companies, and education providers. Your observations matter! It might be that you saw signs of avalanche activity, or just noting that the wind was blowing hard on a ridge but the skiing was great on the way down.

These observations add up, giving the CAIC thousands of extra eyes on the ground across the state.

Matt Entz shows off an impressive pit - observations can be large or small, any info helps!

How it works:

1. Become a FoCAIC member

If you've been submitting observations already, don't worry! You can get your Friends of CAIC Membership up to date and all your observations will count.

2. Submit 10 Observations

- Use the same name/email on each ob

- You can choose to remain anonymous

- Any observation counts! Weather, snow pits, general conditions, recent avalanche activity, etc

- Only one observation per trip will be counted

What you get!

Observation Team members with 10+ Obs will be recognized on this page (unless you request otherwise) and will be sent a custom t shirt recognizing your efforts.

Plus, you'll have a chance to win a backcountry kit from our partners at Weston, BCA, Zeal, Arcteryx Denver, and Smartwool!   (See details below)

How to send in an observation to the CAIC:

Friends of CAIC Mobile App

CAIC Website

 Season Finale Prize Pack

1 lucky member of the Friends of CAIC Observation Team will be chosen to receive this season finale prize pack from our partners at Weston, BCA, Zeal, Arcteryx Denver, and Smartwool.

The prize pack includes:
Weston Skis or Splitboard of your choice
BCA Tracker 3 Rescue Package
Zeal Optimum Goggles
Arcteryx Rush or Sabre Jacket of your choice
Smartwool Thermal Merino Top & Bottom Base Layers + Ski Socks
Full Guided Day from Colorado Adventure Guides (a great chance to have a 3rd party evaluate you and your partners in action)

* models, sizes, and colors are dependent on in-stock availability on the date winner is chosen. 

2022/2023 10+ Observation Team Members

10+ Submitted:
Chris B
Chris D
Jeff D
Justina L
Mark F
Jeremy B
Sam G
Travis L

Almost there:
Amanda L, Andrew R, Ben B, Benn S, Brent H, Brian G, Brian M, Brian R, Dan E, Dominic R, Eric T, Gabi B, Grant B, Greg S, Jared B, Jason B, Jason M, Jess L, Josh J, Josh V, Kelli R, Mason O, Max S, Michael T, Mike L, Patrick S, Payton S, Reid C, Rich R, Sam R, Shane E, Spencer H