WINTER

Five decades ago, a young Hopi underwent a grueling journey as part of a traditional initiation ceremony near the winter solstice. He recently recalled the experience to author Scott Thybony, and talked about how the test of his endurance and commitment to the Hopi way taught him humility.

A massive winter storm that dumped snow across much of the Western U.S. has brought high avalanche risk in many areas. The Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center warns that backcountry travelers should be leery of the current conditions and aware of persistent slabs and wind slabs on skiable slopes.

Snow totals in the upper Colorado River basin have already reached their average annual peak, months earlier than usual.

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for much of northern Arizona after a chilly early winter storm hit the region. Freezing…

An early winter storm is forecast to bring the first heavy snowfall of the season to portions of the U.S. Rocky Mountains this week. The National Weather…