Tuesday brought more of the goods to the faithful, who attended with high anticipation; they were not disappointed The depths had remained consistent and had not been beaten down, so the fresh snow just added to the delight. All aspects were skiing nicely, however, Little Cloud and Mineral had not held up to the wind as well as other areas. All areas did open in a timely fashion reducing the Tram line. The sun made an appearance in between the clouds, which kept the snow from setting up in the usual manner at this time of year. The underlying crust is still there in spots, though it does not present any problems to overall enjoyment. The bumps are still underneath and are buffered by the new snow. More snow is in the forecast so the mountain is prepped to be epic. The previous melt off did expose some of the reefs, which are now submerged so use a touch of caution on the approach to your favorite line. The Middle Cirque traverse, being one of the most exposed sections , requires some gentle stepping to get over, but no trouble unless you hit the rocks going fast so be aware in that spot. The groomers were just spectacular as well with flawless carve-ability. All your snow dancing is paying off so keep up the good work!!!
Archive for the ‘Snow Reports’ Category
Sweet Suprise
3-23-09
Heavy snow ,Monday morning, brought out the faithful in full force. The web reported 10” new, but there was so much more when the gun went off. The 7% content with groppel made the powder feel a bit heavier and cushier. The West exposure had been hammered by the wind and proved a tad inconsistent , but other aspects were sweet, skiable, and blower!!! The bottom was in play but the depth and density mitigated the ride beautifully. The high North exposures were especially deep and full on face shots were the rule. The wind increased as the day progressed and visibility deteriorated and the heavy snow continued to pile up. Mineral and Little Cloud remained closed and the depth kept increasing . Gad 2 closed due to the high winds so these areas will be prime for the morning. The forecast is for another storm this week so better conditions are sure to build the overall consistency and fully mitigate the crustage. All aspects were skiing well, but those bumpy areas were knocking those bumpmiesters around soundly. The deep trees have been protected from the wind and will ski well tomorrow. The goods are back and the fix is in!!!
A Fresh Coat
3-22-09
Sunday morning seemed warm in the parking lot so I went with light wear and that was a mistake. Winds were brisk and cold. The sun was up and shining with the cold front just a few hours out. Mineral Basin was the first choice and it had nice carvable corn on the groomed runs. I made a hasty retreat back to the front side and found Peruvian’s groomers edge-able and consistant, though the light was flat as the high clouds moved in quickly. The cat crew had prepared two big lower mountain shots, which were good to go, but the falling temps were not going to soften up the playing field. The lowering clouds moving in sent me headed for the Forklift chair promptly. The overall complexion of the hill remains unchanged so use the Saturday’s overview for the game plan. It rained heavily in the valley so the frosting is being added as we await the fresh instalment. Cool runnings for the morning so enjoy!!!
Winds Of Change
3-21-09
Saturday morning was balmy. It is my day off from the hill but I feel that the overall conditions have remained,virtually, unchanged. That said, with the approaching system or systems , it would be good to review the overall complexion of the hill. Once it gets covered up you won’t really see what lies beneath. The high North facing has smoothed considerably but still sports some low amplitude bumps. The big North facing is much smoother but gets increasingly rustic as you clock to the West or East. West, South, and East facing saw a lot of sun and enough traffic to heavily texturize the very soft afternoon slurppee, which will be none to pleasant with 10” of 6% on the frozen crustitude; you will feel all of it so be aware of that. The high North will still have that winter feel , but will still be firm. The trees have very well established bumps overall and, again, the North facing still holds the cold so won’t be as bone jarring as East and West so charge these sections with discretion…or not! Certainly today’s wind had nothing to transport so that factor is out, but hopefully some higher density will begin the cycle and give us a bit of cushion. Keep you fingers crossed and keep dancing!!!
Corn Goodness
3-20-09
Friday was much warmer, going in, than any day this week. The High north aspects still are holding the dry chalk and have not fallen to the heat. Upper Primrose was buffed with sensational snow. The lower mountain was truly in the grip of the freeze. Mineral Basin went off early and was basking in the sun creating corn goodness top to bottom. The North facing was still holding , but was becoming a tad worked. The overall softening, on the front side, did not commence until 12:00 Noon when, slowly, the runs gave way to the softness. Beautiful sun was unobstructed by clouds and the heat wave was cooking it all, with the exception of the high North. A storm, moving into the area next week, will begin accelerating the wind and moving the temps up even higher. Look to Mineral again for early morning rippage and move with the sun as the day progresses. High North aspects are still becoming smoother with the wear and can be counted on early as well, but one must find escape on the lower mountain. Re tilling on Who Done It is generally done in the morning, but not guaranteed, so check the grooming report for the update. The Softening will be a touch earlier tomorrow due to the increasing Southerly flow and warmer morning so do not lollygag to long. Very light traffic persists so ,virtually, unlimited vertical is possible if you so desire.. Have a great day and make a run for me !!!
Very Crispy
3-19-09
Thursday morning began, as the others had, with a touch of cold air. The High North facing still is holding the cold and chalk and responding to the continued wear with some smooth sections. West facing held off till 1:00PM . The Mineral Basin was a touch slow softening , but broke with nice sherbet consistency. The front side still had fully edge-able corduroy until the lower mountain where the softening did not start till 12:30 PM. The cat crew had re tilled Who Done It creating an escape route for the morning. Lower Primrose was buffed but was unapproachable till 1:00 PM, after which it became very spreadably smooth and epic. Regulator is holding off the longest so do not venture there until it goes off or it’s a clutch situation, which can be avoided. Out of area touring was open again and is still looking good, but the earlier the better. Light traffic again today so vertical is only limited by your enthusiasm. High cloud cover moved in after lunch and slightly backed of the bake factor. Tomorrow migh be a tad quicker softening if the cloud cover persists and the temps remain high so the corn might go off earlier. Put and edge on and get out early!!!
High Noon
3-18-09
Wednesday morning had a distinct nip to the air. I knew it was going to be crisp on the hill and it did not disappoint. The Peruvian side held the winter chill much better than the Gad side which was fully bullet proof on the West facing . Mineral was softening a bit slower than yesterday with the colder temps, but softened nicely on the South facing and East facing came around quickly. Follow the sun for best results. Out of area touring was open to the Twins as well as Gad 2 and reports of good corn came back with the tours. High Noon was the breaking point in general and the softening worked it’s way up the hill. Big Emma really held of till 1:00 PM, but was edgable with a fresh till for traction. Who Done It was also given the re till so that was the go to run for the before breakfast crowd. Tomorrow should have similar timing so plan accordingly, But ,in my opinion, the AM is vacant and good to go with no problems. See you on first tram for the morning ROCK session!!!
Time For A Toon
3-17-09
Tuesday morning brought some high comedy for the hard corps as they took a beating on the hard overnight freeze. High North facing remained dry and chalky , but the lower mountain, which warmed up yesterday was very interesting and gave us a bit of a foot massage. Fast and furious was the pace for the morning session. Mineral was the call for softer thawed corn in the Am and will be the first to soften tomorrow as well. The direct South facing was good to go by 10:00AM, but the Gad side held off for 1:00PM when aspects started to break. The cooler wind picked up in the afternoon holding the temps down a touch but softening was in full effect giving the snow a very spreadable consistency and was only problematic in a couple glue spots. The freeze, overnight, will make the morning session similar to today but that was good in the select areas so no need to wait till later in the morning, but waiting will buy you softer conditions in more places. The WINGS were flying low and fast until the slope got crowded and had to go back to the hanger. Light traffic kept lines non existent all day. Take advantage of the spring goodness!!!
Heat Wave
3-16-09
Monday morning brought warmth where there had been cold. The wind was stout out of the South, top to bottom, which helped keep the sun from doing very much damage as it rose in the sky. The big North facing shots are getting smoother with wind and wear and the groomers remain the best choice in the AM by taking advantage of the silky dryness the crew leaves behind. Mineral had some beautiful runs set to go right off and was sunny and warm. South and West facing, as well as the lower mountain, began to respond to the warm temps after 1:00 PM. having a buttery and, oh so carvable, consistency. Only a couple flat areas had the dreaded glue spots. High clouds moved in late in the day but skiing was all but over by then. Tomorrow should still have good North exposures and the West and South should be saved for later. Light attendance made for max vertical. Just go till you can’t go no more!!!
Chill Zone
3-15-09
Sunday morning had been predicted to be a bit stormy, but the sun was out and the cold north westerly flow was still holding, keeping the temps brisk. The South and West facing exposures had been affected by the high sun angle and was a tad crusty for the morning. The North facing still held some nice soft dry snow. The lower mountain had machine cream stirred up to treat us to some very nice cold dust. There were some extraneous cookies here and there, but nothing that could not be avoided. The light was a bit flat and overnight wind had driven pine cones over the run giving some needed definition. Very light traffic, once again, left lift access unimpeded for the vert crew . Temps struggled upward but were held short by the light overcast and cold breeze. The crud in North facing is still winter like, but requires a more technical approach. I don’t see tomorrow being too much different than today with even lighter attendance. Spring break is coming up so expect attendance to remain constant; early morning for the best rockin runs. I think the wings might make an appearance this week. Going super sonic; KABOOM!!!
