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NoCo ATA Field Day – Montgomery Pass

Field trip: Avalanche Terrain Avoidance

NoCo ATA Field Day – Montgomery Pass

This is Field Day Option #2 for the Northern Colorado Avalanche Terrain Avoidance (ATA) Workshop. ATA Participants who attend the December 10 Classroom Session may join this or one of the other Field Days (choose only one). Attendance of the Classroom Session is required to join a Field Day.

Contacts

Steven Dielman
Steven Dielman
Primary Leader
  • Sun, Dec 14, 2025
  • Northern Colorado
  • Avalanche Education
  • Adults
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 4.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft

During the field trip we will observe actual avalanche terrain from nearby areas while avoiding avalanche risk. Wintertime hazards in addition to avalanches will also be discussed. Estimation and measurement of slope angles will be practiced, and numerous examples of potentially risky (e.g., slopes, gullies, road cuts, cornices, etc.) and avalanche-free areas will be pointed out and discussed. Clues as to what constitutes avalanche terrain versus non-avalanche terrain will also be pointed out and discussed. We will finish with a short drive to one or more parking areas to observe and discuss the characteristics of various avalanche paths exhibiting historic slide activity and which should be avoided.

See the ATA Course description for more details.  

The meeting time and place will be communicated to participants a few days beforehand.  Expect to meetup and leave from north Fort Collins about 7:00 am.

Badges

Route/Place

Montgomery Pass

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • 10 Essentials
  • Snowshoes and trekking poles with snow baskets.
  • Slope meter indicator (pocket tool or phone app); options will be discussed at the Classroom Session.
  • Extra layer(s) than usual because we will be doing more stationary discussion than a regular trip.
Trip Reports