Western Slope Adventurers

Strenuous hike up the Lower Plunge trail from the bottom. We'll make time to pause and catch our breaths as we steadily climb higher and higher. We'll aim to get up to over 6,400 ft - the start by the way is about 4,700 ft. As we climb we'll ponder those who can make it down this trail on mtn bikes - amazing. Last time I did this hike with a group we did the hike in about 5 hours (end time listed here is just to satisfy Meetup). Hiking poles might be good to have.

Hike will be about 8 1/2 miles total and all on-trail. This hike is NOT for people with a fear of heights.

Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Meeting spot - Clifton West side park and ride - or meet us at the parking lot for Palisade trailhead. Comment please if you are meeting us at trailhead.
Clifton West side park & ride: From I-70 Clifton Exit, turn right at light at Maverick gas station, then a quick left onto I-70B Frontage Rd, turn into park and ride across from Car Wash & Freddy's. You cannot turn left into the west frontage road from East-bound Patterson. 39.092386, -108.453456
Palisade Trailhead: 39.120905, -108.320456

When car-pooling it is always NICE to offer the driver some money to cover gas, a car wash, etc.

Important Note: This is a participate at your own risk event! Hiking/Biking/Kayaking/Skiing/Climbing/Driving is risky. Hiking on a steep slope adds an extra level of risk. This is a meetup event, meaning I am not a hired, professional guide or instructor for this event. I am organizing the event not leading it. You are responsible for yourself in this peer-to-peer platform of events, you need to have enough experience to be self sufficient. By signing up for this event you acknowledge that you (AND YOUR GUEST) accept the risk and are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this event and the gear or requisite knowledge you require.

### THIS COURSE CONSISTS OF 2 PARTS and participants must register via CMC link: https://www.cmc.org/groups-sections/groups-around-the-state/western-slope-group/course-templates-1/avalanche-terrain-avoidance-western-slope/activities/field-day-2013-grand-mesa-grand-mesa-lodge-1

Fee: $40 CMC members, $50 nonmembers

1. Online self-paced learning prior to the field day approximately 3- 4 hours where you will learn and review different avalanche terrain risks, and practice route finding through case studies.
2. The field portion of the course will be held January 11 in the morning for approximately 3 hours at Grand Mesa Lodge on their property or time TBD on Grand Mesa. In the field, the students will observe terrain and make travel decisions based on the planned route, and travel adjustments in the field in avoiding exposure to avalanche terrain. We'll use slope meters to identify potential avalanche terrain to avoid as we travel through non-avalanche terrain. These techniques can be taught with or without snow conditions.

### CLASS ROOM AND FIELD LEARNING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

• Understand why Colorado has the most dangerous avalanche conditions in the US
• Learn what an avalanche is and what factors contribute to an avalanche
• Understand and apply current avalanche forecast
• Recognize & avoid avalanche hazards
• Use tools for planning a successful trip
• Learn from case studies of avalanche accidents

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This seminar has no prerequisites.