High winds were whistling down the valley overnight. Around midnight gusts were hitting over 100 miles per hour at the top of Summit Chair. Winds continued during day forcing the closing of Scott, Lakeview, Summit, and Alpine Bowl Chair. Sherwood, Treeline, and Roundhouse along with other lower elevation lifts remained open during the day.
As of this hour it appears 9 inches of snow has fallen at the base of area at Alpine Meadows. Visibility was minimal at times as falling snow was swirling around in all directions. Temperatures were not very low at the base area. They seem to be hovering just below 30 degrees most of the day. Lift lines were running between 5 and 10 minutes, however they were not unbearable while I was on the hill. There was a pretty good crowd on hand as the upper lot appeared to be near capacity with a portion of the lower lot filled as well.
I made a few turns on the various runs off Roundhouse. I found nice soft snow in the many areas along with icy spots to keep me on my toes. Kangaroo Ridge was delightful, Werner’s Schuss offered a few small moguls along with plenty of new soft snow. Areas around Yellow Trail were delightful. God’s Knob which faces into the wind was terrible as the new snow was being blown off the underlying icy moguls. I did not venture over to Sherwood. The best news of the day was that it was snowing and the ground was already covered with more than a dusting, and it is still snowing.
Alpine Meadows is making some accommodations for the virus that is plaguing all of us. 1/3 of the chairs in the lodge have been removed in an effort to create proper social distance between patrons. Self service for beverages is no longer allowed.
It is just wonderful to see trees holding snow on there branches.
Enjoy your day,
Andy
