The San Luis Valley Outdoor Report for the week of December 5, 2023. This report is updated following each recording of The Outdoor Citizen podcast.
The most recent episode of The Outdoor Citizen Podcast was filled with a plethora of good news and information. Host Marty Jones talked with DJ Salazar from Valley Veterans Recreation to talk about some upcoming ice fishing events to support our Valley veterans. Esteban Salazar from SLV GO was on the show to talk about successful outdoor programming. Finally, Mick Daniel, SLV GO’s executive director, catches us up on pretty much everything that’s happened this past year. He had a lot to say, so tune in here or wherever you get your podcasts.
OUTDOOR FIELD REPORT
On the Outdoor Citizen we invite all the outdoor recreationists and nature lovers to be part of our ever-changing team of outdoor field correspondents. You don’t have to report the news, just tell us about your adventures, big or small, in the San Luis Valley’s great outdoors.
Our latest outdoor field report comes from Chris Lopez who is hoping for a white Christmas.
Whether you’re walking or biking the local trails or climbing mountains, hunting and fishing, or just sitting in your backyard, it’s easy to be an Outdoor Field Correspondent. All you have to do is record an audio file on your phone and send it to us. We wouldn’t mind seeing a photo or video along with it, too. You can email info@alamosacitizen.com or text the audio file and photo to 720-891-6759 with a brief description and your name for credit.
WINTER CONDITIONS
While the San Luis Valley is dry in the lower elevations, it doesn’t mean Colorado isn’t getting its December snow. Snowpack levels across the state are currently 100 percent of normal. The deepest snowpack in Colorado was last observed at Tower with a snowpack depth of 44 inches, about 122 percent of normal when compared to its 36 inches average depth for this time of year. Berthoud Summit, perched at an elevation of 11,300 feet, is currently experiencing some of the coldest temps in Colorado with air temps last recorded at 31 degrees.
Wolf Creek has received 2 inches of snowmelt over the past 24 hours and has a total snowpack of 21 inches at the summit, or 72 percent of normal, low for this time of year.
Monarch Mountain opened on Dec. 6 for the season, with a reported base of 29 inches and more snow likely this weekend. Taos Mountain is also open for the season, with a base depth of just 18 inches.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Avalanche danger in the Southern San Juans is CONSIDERABLE near and above treeline. You can trigger an avalanche large enough to bury you on northerly and east-facing slopes near and above treeline. These avalanches can be triggered from far away, so avoid traveling on or under slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. Find safer travel options by sticking to southerly-facing or below-treeline slopes with no weak snow near the ground.
Avalanche danger in the Northern San Juans and Sangre De Cristo ranges is MODERATE above treeline. You could trigger an avalanche above treeline that can break wide across the slope. Most triggered avalanches will be small but could still knock you over and take you for a rocky, dangerous ride down the slope. Reduce your risk of triggering a slide by avoiding upper elevation north, northeast, and east-facing slopes.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Remember The Valley Calendar is the most comprehensive listing of events from across the San Luis Valley. Make sure to check it out and stay up to date.
Here’s a look at some events in December:
The December Forest Specialist Series is all about fish. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. you can join the Rio Grande National Forest in their newest entry into the series. This month’s specialist is Sandra Wagner, a local author and retired chemist and professor. She’ll be presenting An Upper Rio Grande Fishstory: Historical Fish Stories from the Upper Rio Grande. Learn more about the early days of commercial aquaculture and the development of recreational fishing in the Upper Rio Grande area. You can find the link to the Zoom meeting on the RGNF website or Facebook page.
Later in December, Colorado Parks & Wildlife is hosting Hunter Education classes. Those will be Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17, at the Ski Hi Complex in Monte Vista. You can reach out to District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny at 719-850-6363 to enroll or learn more.
OUTDOOR NEWS
SLV GO! has released two promotional videos showcasing the dark skies of the San Luis Valley. Dani Robben, who is leading efforts for an international dark sky designation, tells us that the videos “reveal our connection to the night sky as humanity’s longest shared heritage, the value we place on a naturally dark sky, and about our effort to preserve the night sky and establish the Sangre de Cristo International Dark Sky Reserve.” You can view the videos on the SLV GO! YouTube Channel.
Grey Wolves are one step closer to making their way back to Colorado. Starting Friday, Dec. 8, the official rule 10J takes effect. Colorado Parks and Wildlife can now begin to implement the management plan. This date is not the date for wolves to be officially released into the state. The process for actual transportation does not have an official date. Oregon Parks and Wildlife entered into a formal agreement with CPW that finally solved the puzzle of where Colorado would receive its wolves for the state-ordered and voter-approved, but experimental, reintroduction effort. The wolves will be dropped off in three counties west of the Continental Divide: Grand, Summit, and Eagle. You can visit the CPW website to learn more about how to keep yourself safe in the event of an interaction with wolves and to learn more about the reintroduction effort.