WTF? Yeah, it's sketchy but as said in other threads, that's a slippery slope to start closing backcountry use...
https://durangoherald.com/articles/2...alanche-danger
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WTF? Yeah, it's sketchy but as said in other threads, that's a slippery slope to start closing backcountry use...
https://durangoherald.com/articles/2...alanche-danger
I would hope someone would sue for access to USFS lands if that were to occur
Fuck that.
They did a similar things this summer down there with the fires, didn't they? Closed all access to the national forests. So in theory not unprecedented.
In the article they say they aren't closing USFS land, just the roads that access it. The county doesn't have the authority to close federal land but they can close county roads for public safety. Not that I agree with the principle of closing the backcountry, but they did have an avalanche that reached the Animas on the edge of town, Silverton ski area has suspended operations because a slide covered CR 110, and another slide covered CR 2 just north of town. So there is a real concern for public safety beyond backcountry skiing, and with resources probably spread thin dealing with the aforementioned avalanches and other storm related problems they are justified to do close whatever roads they want. This closure wouldn't stop you from skinning up USFS land from Silverton or skiing off US 550, you just wouldn't be allowed to use county roads to access your skiing.
Does that mean Silverton Mountain is now closed as well?
Either way, the Forest Service would be the agency responsible for closing USFS land, the county commissioners don't have that authority (reporter may have originally misunderstood what San Juan county was trying to do?). I was speaking more to mallwalker's suggestion to sue for access, which I think would be tossed out of court pretty quickly.
That would suck
PSA:
Silverton Mountain, CO Suspends Operations | An Avalanche Has Cut Off Access to the Ski Area
Quote:
San Juan County Sheriff Bruce Conrad said he has jurisdiction to shut down public lands if it is a safety issue. However, at this time, he is opting to instead hope people take the stern warning to stay out of the backcountry while it remains avalanche prone.
I'm confused. Is the road to Silverton closed because of an avalanche or because San Juan County decided to close the road?
Just got on the Silverton Mountain website, and the road to the mountain is open.
... Thom
Here in Silverton now. Open.
Bonus points?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1cd9086736.jpg
PSA: from The Robert Report on Red Mountain and BC access
https://therobertreport.net/2019/03/...mountain-pass/
Stay out of there way so they can git ‘er done.
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was just at rogers pass three days ago. no permits were being given out so in effect the backcountry was closed. looking around it was easy to see why.
CDOT worked their asses off and 550 is open and the skiing is great with over 110 inches while things are settling down a bit.
Attachment 276073
CDOT worked their asses off and 550 is open after a 20 day closure. The skiing is great with over 110 inches while things are settling down a bit.
Attachment 276073
It appears it's going to be a long sweet late season in the backcountry down there. Everything in that picture looks good.
It's been super warm the last couple days and I'm sure it transformed. Cooler temps tomorrow, however.
Check out St Paul's Lodge:
Attachment 276336
That's awesome. Can't believe there aren't tracks off of it.
For perspective (2007):
https://a4.pbase.com/o6/73/752773/1/....SaintPaul.jpg
They couldn’t access the lodge for a few weeks. It was vacant not a ton of skiers and boarders on the pass.
I thought I posted the Million Dollar flyover from a couple weeks ago:
https://youtu.be/X-c_hcYkPqM
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That was amazing, thanks.
Anyone have experience with the San Juan Huts from Ouray to Durango? Still plenty of availability remaining. They seem to access good terrain with between 500-2000' vert. This may be a great way to break in the new year.
Last Dollar
North Pole
Opus???