Normally by the time you get to the top of the Mirkwood hike you are so drawn by the incredible views and excitement for your run that you don’t notice the small deck and tower that are jut beyond the boundary.  This usually unnoticed area is an important weather station that is used by Ski Patrol and Colorado Avalanche Information Center to report weather conditions to support more accurate avalanche forecasting.  Our old deck was falling apart so recently our Patrol team hiked up to rebuild this important piece of infrastructure.  This may not have been or biggest or most glamorous project of the summer but it is an important piece in helping keep us all safe this winter.