December 3, 2024
[Mesa County Libraries, Gateway Branch, Gateway, CO.]
Businesses
Between The Covers Bookstore
214 West Colorado Avenue
Telluride, CO.
81435
(970) 727-4504
Colorado Creatives
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Avalanche forecasts on COTREX App amplify Colorado backcountry safety and responsible recreation
[The following is based on a press release.]
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) have partnered together to add avalanche forecasts and warnings to the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) mobile app to make checking avalanche conditions even more accessible to winter outdoor recreationists.
Colorado is known for world-class winter recreation. However, learning how to navigate Colorado’s extreme weather and avalanche terrain is a paramount first step in planning a winter adventure.
During the 2023 – 2024 season, the CAIC recorded over 5,600 avalanches, resulting in 148 people caught, 59 buried and 13 injured. Tragically, two lives were lost in avalanches. Read the full CAIC 2023-2024 Avalanche Season Summary.
CPW is sharing CAIC’s avalanche forecasting information through the free COTREX app to help keep people safe while exploring Colorado trails this winter. COTREX provides authoritative trail information across local, state and federal agencies. More than 235 land managers contribute data on over 50,000 miles of trail across the state.
The new COTREX avalanche feature provides:
Daily forecasts from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Active avalanche warnings, watches and special alerts
Ability to turn on statewide forecast areas through a new option in the map layers section
Danger ratings and avalanche warnings for selected geographic areas
“For CAIC, providing the public with timely information is key to helping people avoid avalanches and stay safe in the backcountry,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene. “By adding avalanche forecasts and alerts to the COTREX app, we’re making it easier than ever for people to access essential safety information right from their phones. This collaboration will empower people to make informed decisions and enjoy Colorado’s mountains safely.”
Over 40 agency partners use the COTREX app to post real-time advisories, including trail closures, wildfire zones, safety hazards and other essential trail alerts. Users can plan routes, download offline maps and see trip recommendations from participating partners around the state.
“We know avalanche conditions can change rapidly, so we want to do our part to share valuable safety information from reliable outdoor experts with our outdoor community,” said CPW Deputy Director Heather Disney Dugan.
The COTREX app shares the current avalanche conditions generated by the CAIC forecasting experts, but it is not a standalone backcountry resource. People going into the backcountry should also always check the CAIC Avalanche Forecast Map at colorado.gov/avalanche. The map has an avalanche danger rating, a summary of the avalanche conditions and travel advice for navigating the current conditions.
Those recreating or traveling in the backcountry should have the proper avalanche safety gear — a transceiver (beacon), shovel, and probe — and know how to use it effectively with practice.
“Coloradans love getting outside and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife COTREX app is a fantastic way to learn of new trails and trail conditions and explore new areas of our state. The addition of Colorado Avalanche Information Center avalanche forecasts and warnings will help even more Coloradans as they travel in our backcountry over the winter and keep them updated on the most accurate and latest snow conditions,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources.
Find more CAIC avalanche safety resources at colorado.gov/avalanche and avalanche.state.co.us/Español.
Discover winter recreation activities and events at Colorado state parks at cpw.state.co.us. Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and support Colorado state parks and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild
Comics
Dry Bar Comedy
Your Wife Has A List Of Weird Things About You, Wes Austin
Finding Colorado
The forty-second highest mountain in the State of Colorado is Ellingwood Peak, with a summit of 14,042 feet above sea level.
Larimer County, CO.
Estes Park, CO., Estes Park Health Offers Online Scheduling
[The following is based on a press release.]
Estes Park Health is pleased to announce the launch of online appointment scheduling through My Health Connection, providing patients with a faster, easier way to book their healthcare appointments. The feature streamlines access to care, allowing patients to manage their health on their own time.
Patients can access My Health Connection online at www.uchealth.org/access-my-health-connection or through the My Health Connection mobile app, which is available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Through My Health Connection, Estes Park Health patients can:
Schedule appointments for primary care, specialty services, follow-ups, and urgent visits.
View real-time availability of healthcare providers.
Reschedule or cancel appointments with ease.
Access health records, test results, and other vital information.
The introduction of online scheduling is part of Estes Park Health’s ongoing commitment to improving the patient experience. By leveraging technology, the organization aims to enhance convenience and ensure that every patient receives timely and efficient care.
Our goal at Estes Park Health has always been to provide high-quality, patient-centered care and with online scheduling, we’re making it easier than ever for our patients to connect with their providers and take charge of their health.
Setting up your My Health Connection account is simple, and support is available for those who need assistance.
For appointment and scheduling, please call Estes Park Health at (970) 586-2200 with any questions or for assistance with scheduling.
For account related topics, please visit www.uchealth.org/access-my-health-connection or contact My Health Connection directly at (855) 395-9031, Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Estes Park, CO., 2025 Rooftop Rodeo tickets on sale December 9, 2024
[The following is based on a press release.]
The Town of Estes Park is pleased to announce that tickets for the 2025 Rooftop Rodeo will go on sale December 9, 2024 at www.rooftoprodeo.com at 10:00 A.M. The 2025 Rooftop Rodeo takes place nightly from July 5, 2025, through July 10, 2025, at the Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way.
Standard ticket prices are $27 for general admission, $39 for box seats, and $19 for senior citizens, military personnel (I.D.s required), and children (ages 3-12). Admission is free for children aged two and under. General admission discounts of 25 percent are available for groups of 15 or more and will apply automatically at checkout.
Each night of the Rodeo features unique themes and/or promotions:
Saturday, July 5, 2025: Fiesta Night
Fiesta-themed music before the rodeo and during Pre-Show
Sunday, July 6, 2025: Military Appreciation Night
Military personnel and their families pay just $14 per person for general admission (I.D. required).
Monday, July 7, 2025: Paint Estes Pink
We encourage you to proudly wear pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness and research.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025: Family Night
Tickets for children (ages 3-12) are just $7 each
Wednesday, July 9, 2025: First Responders Night
First Responders and their families pay just $14 per person for general admission.
Thursday, July 10, 2025: Locals Night
Locals receive a 25 percent discount on general admission with online coupon code "80517" (only when ordering tickets online or purchasing in advance at the Event Center office)
Gates open each night at 5:00 P.M. The pre-show begins at 6:45 P.M. and the rodeo starts at 7:00 P.M.
For more information about the Rooftop Rodeo, visit www.rooftoprodeo.com. Ticket purchasing inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events Office at (970) 586-6104.
Resources
Small Business Saturday
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday. Starting the first Saturday in December each Saturday here will be Small Business Saturday.
Know of a small Colorado business?
Let us know in the comments, and we will provide support by showcasing them here.
State of Colorado
Highway Budgets
[The following is based on a press release.]
The ability to build and maintain highways in the State of Colorado could see a reduction in its 2025 budget of at least $110 million dollars to balance the budget.
The two-tiered reduction would involve a permanent cut of $65 million per year and a short-term cut of $49 million, as part of a $638 million dollar expenditure cut.
Until next time,