Friends of Colorado Avalanche Info Center Now Selling CAIC Merch

The non-profit group Friends of Colorado Avalanche Information Center (FoCAIC) has launched a merchandise program.

"We heard your requests for a Friends of CAIC hat for your spring and summer adventures," said an email from FoCAIC. "These new Friends of CAIC logo hats offer breathable UPF50+ water-repellent protection for your head during long days in the Colorado sun, whether on skis or on foot."

The website is here . I don't know of any government or quasi-government agency that does fund-raising, but clearly, this backcountry thing is going nuts and will likely only get nuttier.

No word on when they'll offer CAIC jackets, skis, cars, and travel programs—but I'm sure more is coming.

For background:

"This avalanche season marks 50 years of operations for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center," the website notes. "CAIC got its start as the Colorado Avalanche Warning Program (CAWP) in 1973 as part of the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station. This was the first program in the US that issued public avalanche forecasts. Today, CAIC remains a leader in avalanche safety, research, and education.

"CAWP started with two employees. In 1983, when the program officially became the CAIC, it had three employees, a budget of $70,000, and one office and issued forecasts twice a day - in the morning and afternoon. By 2014, CAIC had grown to a team of 17 and was, as of 2008, issuing forecasts for ten set zones each morning. CAIC has now grown to 33 staff members.

Here's a really fun recent post from CAIC; it's not all a scary snow insanity fest out there.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is a program within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Executive Director’s Office. The program is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Friends of the CAIC (FoCAIC).

The CAIC produces daily backcountry avalanche forecasts through the end of May to help backcountry travelers stay safe.

Show off your support for the CAIC this spring and summer!

See you out there!

Cam Burns can be reached at camburns [at] rof.net.