Resorts extend closing dates

Thanks to favorable snow, Granby Ranch has extended its 2020-21 season through April 11.

At Winter Park Resort, closing day for the Winter Park side is April 25, but all the recent snows have allowed the resort to extend the season at Mary Jane through May 9.

The county’s newest ski resort, Bluebird Backcountry, closes for the season on April 4.

COVID-19 vaccine now available to all adults

On Friday, April 2, the state of Colorado opens vaccines to all eligible adults. Both the Moderna (2-dose) and Johnson & Johnson (single dose) vaccines are available to adults aged 18 and older. The Pfizer (2-dose) vaccine is available to ages 16 and older. To register to receive the vaccine in Grand County, visit co.grand.co.us/vaccine.

CDPHE expands at-home COVID-19 testing

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recently announced the expansion of the Binax At-Home rapid testing program to food services employees around the state. This expansion to food services workers builds on the program’s February launch for use by PK-12 grade teachers, school administrators, early childhood educators, and other student-facing staff in Colorado schools. For more information, visit: covid19.colorado.gov.

Colorado Fishing Licenses

Kick off the start of warmer weather with your new annual fishing license and make some memories out on the water. Remember, last year’s is officially no longer valid as of today. Learn more about season dates and fishing license information at: cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo.

Seed and Soil Restoration

Cold Springs Greenhouse along with Buffalo Brand Seed Company will be conducting a seed and soil restoration seminar on Friday, April 16 at 11 am at Cold Springs Greenhouse, 1471 CR 60, Granby. (970) 887-3406.

Winter Park’s Affordable Housing waitlist

If you are interested in Winter Park’s workforce housing opportunities, make sure to get your name on the waitlist. Those on the waitlist are notified when new homes are available and when it’s time to submit a housing application. To register, visit: wpgov.com.

Peak Snowpack approaches

We are approaching peak snowpack on the Western Slope. Snowpack normally peaks between April 8-10 in the three major river basins within the Colorado River District. We are approaching runoff season with snowpack currently at about 90% of average on the Western Slope. April is Colorado’s second snowiest month and we hope to see the snowpack and water totals keep increasing.

April designated “Donate Life Month”

At the request of Grand County Clerk & Recorder Sara Rosene, the Grand County BOCC made a proclamation to designate April “Donate Life Month” in Grand County. Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, and honors those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. 

In Colorado, 68% of Driver’s License Office customers signed up to be donors in 2020, and in Grand County, 77% of customers signed up to participate. In Colorado and Wyoming last year, 622 lives were saved through organ donation and transplantation. To learn more, visit DonateLife.net or DonorAlliance.org.

Look to the Skies

The Lyrid Meteor showers will grace the night skies in late April, but a waxing gibbous full moon may steal some of the show. Typically one of the brightest meteor showers as the Earth passes through the tail of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, you can expect the best viewing around April 21-22.

Connect for Health Colorado enrollment

The deadline to enroll for health insurance coverage through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s healthcare exchange, has been extended to August 15. Enrollment by the 15th of the month allows for a first day of the following month enrollment. If you are without health insurance coverage, log on to connectforhealthco.com and enroll today! 

River Journey Speaker Series

The Headwaters Rivers Journey is hosting speakers from Denver Water on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 from 3:30-4:30 pm. Learn how Denver Water is managing its water supply under increasing restraints. Stacy Chesney and Jason Finehout with Denver Water will explain how they are facing these challenges, the water conservation projects they are currently working on, and how they are collaborating with other water providers and key stakeholders throughout the state to meet resource challenges.

Attend virtually or in-person. To register, visit: headwatersriverjourney.com

Upper Colorado River Rec Site Season Passes 

The new day-use season pass decals for the Upper Colorado River Recreation Sites are now available. A season pass sticker authorizes day use at the Pumphouse and Radium Recreation Areas for one vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle and its occupants. Season passes are non-transferable and do not include a discount for camping.   

“Last year more than 90,000 people enjoyed one of Colorado’s most scenic river corridors. These passes will make it more convenient for the public to visit, and proceeds will be used to maintain public infrastructure like the boat launch and restrooms,” said Kremmling Field Office Manager Bill Mills.

Season passes can be purchased in-person or by calling the Kremmling Field Office at (970) 724-3000 and paying by credit card, or by sending a $20 check to the Kremmling Field Office, PO Box 68, Kremmling, CO 80459. Make check payable to: USDI – Bureau of Land Management.  

Volunteers encouraged to join Search & Rescue 

Grand County Search and Rescue is currently recruiting a new class of volunteers to join the 40 dedicated men and women who provide four-season emergency backcountry service to our many residents and visitors of Grand County.  

Orientation sessions for new members will be held on April 18 and May 8, 2021.  No prior experience or specialized skills are required. Individuals that are motivated, team-focused and willing to learn are encouraged to apply. A background check is required and training will be provided.  

Sheriff Brett Schroetlin stated, “This is a great opportunity to volunteer with a premier search and rescue organization and become part of our team. Team members receive specialized training to provide lifesaving and rescue response in the backcountry.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with Grand County Search and Rescue is encouraged to contact membership@grandcountysar.com

Sheriff’s annual membership drive

The County Sheriffs of Colorado have started their annual membership drive. Many local residents of Grand County may have already received a letter from this organization with Sheriff Brett Schroetlin’s name on it. It is not a scam.

Your membership in the County Sheriffs of Colorado, allows our office the opportunity to provide a scholarship every other year to a local graduating high school senior from Grand County. In fact, we will soon be announcing the name of the deserving senior who has been selected to receive this year’s $500.00 scholarship through the County Sheriffs of Colorado!

Additionally, your membership assists in providing training within the law enforcement community throughout the state. It also allows us the ability to have a voice at the State Capitol during the legislative session.

If you receive this letter with Sheriff Brett Schroetlin’s signature on it, it is not a scam. The County Sheriffs of Colorado is a legitimate organization with legitimate purpose. You can learn more at coloradosheriffs.org.

Free Childbirth Classes

Pregnancy Resource Connection (PRC) is offering FREE Childbirth Classes for June, July and August due dates. Dads and support partners are welcomed and encouraged to attend all classes as they build upon each other. 

  • Friday, May 7th from 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Saturday, May 8th from 10 am-1pm
  • Friday, May 14th from 5:30-8:30 pm
  • Saturday, May 15th from 10am-1pm

Birthing balls will be used during class and will be given to each mom!

PRE-Registration is required. Please call (970) 887-3617 to register. This class is facilitated by Gina Derosa of Mountain Area Childbirth and sponsored by the Grand Foundation and the PRC.

Avalanche Conditions

A rapid warm-up is coming to Colorado. Temperatures will climb day-over-day through the weekend driving rapid changes to the snowpack. Expect big variations in snowpack conditions with changes in elevation, aspect, and from one day to the next. Here’s a few pieces of advice:

Give cornices lots of room. A few large cornice falls were reported on Wednesday, and we expect more of these will release in the coming days.

Reign in your terrain choices as melt-water increasingly influences the snowpack. As a quick test of strength for the upper snowpack, stand on the snow in your boots. If you punch through past your ankles, move to lower angled and/or less sun-exposed slopes.

Continue to avoid the thin spots on a slope. Places with less than around 4 feet of snow will change much more quickly than slopes with a deeper and stronger snowpack.

Know Before You Go! Visit avalanche.state.co.us before heading into the backcountry.