The Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and dispersing information about the snowpack in the Gunnison Valley. The avalanche center’s mission is to prevent deaths, injury and property damage by avalanches to visitors and locals alike. In the winter, everything in the Gunnison Valley revolves around snow, so the CBAC has an important job.

In Colorado specifically, avalanche forecasts from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) are helpful, but general. Due to patchy weather patterns in the mountains, snowpack and avalanche danger can vary widely across a zone. CBAC solves this problem by providing forecasts from professionals right here in the Gunnison Valley. CBAC forecasters analyze the local snowpack daily. CBAC’s forecasts account for the nuances of local weather patterns and how they may affect avalanche danger in different aspects around Gunnison and Crested Butte. Additionally, CBAC forecasters have detailed knowledge of popular backcountry skiing locations around the valley and can customize forecasts to these zones. The Crested Butte Avalanche Center is a unique and vital resource to backcountry travelers of all types, as well as residents of avalanche-prone areas. It’s the only organization of its kind in the state of Colorado.

Donations to the CBAC help fund the lifesaving work of creating and disseminating a local avalanche forecast every single day in winter and spring. Becoming a member has additional perks in the form of discounts at some of your favorite local businesses. Companies may also become a sponsor of the CBAC. All donations are tax deductible.

Contribute to the community by submitting your avalanche and snowpack observations, including photos.

Avalanche forecasts, weather info, observations, accident reports and educational resources can be found on the avalanche center’s website. Read their mission statement or ask a question on their About Us page. Join the CBAC’s email list at the bottom of the Membership page.

• Gunnison Trails
• Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association
• Gunnison Public Lands Initiative
• Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee
• Crested Butte Land Trust
• High Country Conservation Advocates
• Gunnison Nordic Club