Cortez, Colorado
My name is Philip Henderson and I live in Cortez, Colorado, USA. For a living, I am a repair and outreach specialist at Osprey Packs. I am passionate about skiing, climbing, mtn biking, gardening, music, and life.
I think it’s important to understand my connection the environment and how I move within it. Every day I try to remind myself about my impact on the environment and other people around me, and the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Why did you join the Community Snow Observations program?
To regain my passion for snow science. To give more meaning to my weekly excursion into the backcountry. To provide a meaningful an strong link between CSO and the community of black and other minority BC skiers.
What does the term Citizen Science mean to you?
Common citizens helping scientist collect data that may otherwise be unobtainable at specific times and in specific areas that may help them and understand what scientific chances are happening locally and globally. And helps the common person increase their knowledge in an area that may not be their area of expertise but area of interest.
What is your experience/background in snow science?
My background started back in 1994 when I became a NOLS instructor. From 1995 – 2004 I lead backcountry ski expedition where I was required to make snow observations daily and dig and and document a study pit once during a 14 day course. As well, I was required to teach students the basics avalanche awareness. My interest carried on into my personal skiing to this day. For years I have been making myself aware of the snow cycle from the beginning of the season to the end where ever my locations. I have had the opportunity to experience and observe snow intercontinental and maritime snow packs in the northern an southern hemisphere throughout my career.
Why should more people join Community Snow Observations this winter?
Its fun, it gets you outside, builds community, provides much needed on the ground work that scientist are not able to do alone and it provides an opportunity to increase one’s own knowledge about snow science.
