It was another excellent day of almost spring-like skiing at Alpine Meadows. Although the temps did get to right about 50°, a brisk wind kept a chill going above mid-mountain. Still it was good enough to keep me skiing until 3:15, when the shadows were getting very long.
For tomorrow, temperatures are predicted to reach high of 41°, with just a bit more wind. So it will be significantly cooler. I would expect that terrain that is directly south facing will get soft, but likely later than today. Sherwood was just getting great around 10 am today. The Sherwood Run, Sherwood Face, South Face, Power Line and points in-between all had their shining moments today.
Over on Lakeview and Scott, the groomers softened a bit later today as well. We went just a bit too early and found Outer Limits to be scraped and slippery. An hour later and it was perfect. On the front side of the mountain, the warming trend was far less apparent. Sunspot, Sweet Spot, Sunday School (aka God’s Knob) and Lower Idiots all softened nicely today.
The frontside groomers were not quite as pleasant today. Quite a bit more tilling was done, giving the snow a more marble-ly texture in places. By mid-day, the more popular runs were scraped and loaded with sugar piles due to heavier Friday traffic. With regular Saturday attendance and cooler temps, I would expect that again tomorrow.
Some terrain has not softened all week and likely won’t for the weekend. If you are fond of the D chutes, the Palisades zone, Sympathy Face, Rolls and Knolls, High Yellow Gully or Gentian Gully – you might be disappointed with conditions this weekend.
A cool but dry shortwave does move in for Sunday. Don’t expect much of anything for snow. Do expect some chilly winds, clouds and a high near 25°. Monday will also be windy and cool, with gradual warming through next week, probably very similar to this week.
There are still no significant storms in the forecast…now out to February 23rd and beyond. Things could change. I have friends that are planning bike rides. I’ll keep skiing while I can. Things might change…
