The 2020-21 winter season in southwest Colorado got off to a slow start, with around 60% of average snowfall at the beginning of January. But in late January a potent southwest storm cycle dumped over 3 feet of much-needed powder in the San Juans, bringing us closer to average. This season has been notable for having the most dangerous snowpack conditions in almost a decade, with a rotten base of sugar snow that has been causing widespread avalanches (and sadly, some tragic accidents). It's been imperative to be extra cautious this winter with backcountry route selection, avoiding any hazardous open slopes and steep faces.

Although I've been riding the office chair more than my snowboard, I have gotten out on a fair amount of splitboarding tours in safer tree runs, as well as a few evenings with my camera around Ridgway.