One of the most serious dangers to life and property within the Alpine Loop area is the hazard presented by avalanches. The Mountain Studies Institute (Silverton) web site documents that there have been 264 avalanche deaths between 1874 and 1991.
A variety of data sources were combined to produce this data set, including mapping from the Colorado Geological Society, Colorado Avalanche Information Center and INSTAAR.
The Alpine Loop Spatial Analysis and Mapping Project analyzed the Alpine Loop landscape, considering important natural and cultural resources along with the likelihood of development based upon building constraints. The Project aims to provide a planning tool for area stakeholders as they consider the variety of land management options and the future of this magnificent region. The next logical step will be to craft solutions that work within the framework of landowner desires, local and federal government land management goals, and available financial and technical resources to manage the area in a way that preserves the Alpine Loop experience for future generations.
While the Alpine Loop lies within three counties - San Juan, Hinsdale and Ouray - the analytical work extended into a portion of San Miguel County. The resulting mapping and analyses will:
1. Create a spatial foundation to aid future projects in the Alpine Loop corridor;
2. Serve as a prioritization tool for evaluating the conservation potential of individual private parcels;
3. Provide the necessary framework for pursuing future funding opportunities.