Right on schedule, the winds arrived in Tahoe today, along with snow flurries and windholds. That said, the ski conditions were much better than expected since the sun managed to peek out for much of the morning.
By the time Alpine Meadows opened, the lift options were down to just Roundhouse and Hotter Wheels. Summit was on windhold with winds gusting to the low 90’s up top. Yellow was also placed on windhold because those old two seater fixed grips get blown around a lot.
There was a day when storm days with just Roundhouse and Hot Wheels were some of the best days on the mountain. Ever since the merger with the Valley With No Name, that is no longer the case. If Summit is on windhold due to a southwest wind, it’s likely that much of the upper mountain is on hold at that other mountain. There were a lot of shuttle busses moving people today, if you know what I mean.
There was definitely more people interested in skiing today than the available terrain could really support. SVAM is now the only game in town for skiing in California besides Mammoth, at least if you want a lift assist. Spring passes are now active for new passholders, and a discount is being offered for passholders from other mountains. Those are all great things until most of your mountain is on windhold.
Still, we managed to get in dozen good laps, which got better as time went on and more terrain softened. The groomed runs off of Roundhouse and Hotter Wheels were awfully hectic, compared to recent weekends. That sent us in search of off piste terrain available off of Roundhouse. Chicken Leg was definitely not the answer, sporting Double D sized sun cups. Fall Line looked great, but looked too busy. Once again, picking out sneaker lines on Sympathy Ridge and Rolls and Knolls was the answer. Although there are some good lines off of Gunner’s, the usual traverse lines to get there are blocked by large rock bands.
Once Hotter Wheels went on hold, leaving just Roundhouse, it was a sign that it was time to leave the mountain to the weekend warriors.
The storm forecast for tomorrow remains about the same. The snow amounts still stand at 12-18 inches at the top and around 6 inches at lake level through the storm. The winds are also expected to be about the same.
Here’s what’s changed:
• The Winter Storm Warning was downgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory…maybe because it’s not winter? Otherwise, things look the same as far as the forecast goes.
• Thunder snow was also added into the forecast, adding another reason that lifts could close tomorrow.
Honestly tomorrow may turn out much the same as today with windholds possible, the powder fever crowd, and the possibility of some delayed openings. If you’re considering coming from a distance for a day trip, know that operations could be very limited. Thanks to everyone that works to make it happen tomorrow. It will be the last day of the season for many employees. I’m hoping to make the best of day 153 tomorrow, hopefully for some decent powder skiing, and the last chocolate chip cookie of the season from Treats.