It was another phenomenal spring morning at Alpine Meadows. But we need to push the pause button for a couple of days. The models seem to be holding together for a brief return to winter over the next two days. More on that later.
Personally, I think Sunspot has been just a bit too soft over the last couple of mornings. So today I switched things up and spent more morning laps on Terry’s Return to Charity laps. Each had just the right amount of softness for high speed arcs. But the end of our High Traverse days is approaching, so we heeded the calling, perhaps one lap too early around 10 am. There was one little pitch of Sun Bowl that had just the right aspect for softer snow, but instead we skied farther south into Sun Bowl, just to test the fit of our fillings.
This time of year, I am drawn to Sherwood like a magnet. So instead of heading back around for another High Traverse lap, we admired the slush bumps of East Gully from the chair. We convinced each other that we needed to do that while we still can. Fortunately, I have a pretty cavalier attitude when it comes to my ski equipment, so crossing 10 yards of dirt and rock didn’t phase me much. My ski buddies actually removed their skis.
East Gully skied as dreamily as it looked, with just a little bit of rocky spice thrown in to make sure you were paying attention. It was so good, I completely forgot about another High Traverse lap, instead staying for 7 more laps on Chute Zero, which required a shorter mud and brush traverse.
I imagine that High Traverse and Sherwood will be off the menu for at least the next two days. If it’s not, I wouldn’t expect the skiing to be that great with much lower temperatures, clouds and possible snow. Will it remain open later in the week? That remains to be seen. I am sure thankful it’s been open as long as it has been!
The models are hanging in there with a decent chance of snow from an inside slider passing to our east. Most of that is expected from Tuesday night into Wednesday. The GFS, and the shorter range NAM, are pretty bullish on the storm, each showing the potential for about 8 inches of snow. The focus has shifted to the Northern Sierra instead of the Southern Sierra. The point forecast for Alpine Meadows is less optimistic, showing the potential for about an inch Tuesday night and another inch Wednesday.
We know what happens after that! As soon as the sun comes back out that new snow will turn to glue. We should get back to a more normal spring by Thursday. As of now, this is a “one and done” storm. The midrange forecast looks warm and warmer, with mountain temps in the mid 60’s by next week.
By the end of the weekend, all other Tahoe ski resorts are scheduled to close except for the Valley With A New Name and Alpine Meadows. Donner Ski Ranch may also stay open. If anyone knows when Alpine Meadows will close, nobody is talking. So I plan to just keep skiing every day that I can…