Wind Hold

I noted that Kirkwood and Heavenly Valley have extended there closing dates by one to three weeks. I wonder if they know something we have not heard. Are they expecting a large spring snow storm to extend the season? I do not want to be a pessimist, but if it does not snow much more this season, and spring temperatures are normal, I cannot see the snow coverage lasting to the beginning of May.

Winds were howling from the north east once again this morning. Eighty to ninety miles and hour over the ridge top which meant Summit and ABC lifts were on wind hold. Temperatures were on the cool side adding wind chill to the mix. I overheard a few people indicating that they had dressed a little on the light side. Off-piste conditions have firmed up in my view. The ride over moguls in the Sympathy area is getting more rough each day. A bit jarring to say the least. Much of the off-piste remains hard packed winter snow with slick icy spots here and there. We ventured over to Sherwood in the late morning just to see what was occurring with the surface. The main groomed trail had a little topping of corn, but underneath it was very firm. Although the sun was shining the surface had not really softened as the temperature remained cool. We skied into the trees below the top station of TLC and threaded our way through Sherwood Forest heading to Lakeview. Outer Limits was a “Nothing Burger”. Slick on the overnight groomed run. Twilight Zone was better as the surface was still barely touched corduroy.

The funny thing is that you can find soft snow on some north or east facing shaded slopes, even powder if it is untracked. I ventured beyond the area boundary line hoping to find some untracked powder left over from the last storm, but too many other skiers had discovered it before me. There were some nice turns to be had between other’s tracks, but it would be a stretch to call it epic.

Yesterday, however we did find some nice fresh turns in the Big Bend Area on our way from the High Traverse to the base of Sherwood.

Fresh Tracks in the Big Bend Area on Sunday

High winds today should diminish over night. Tomorrow should be a little warmer with seasonable weather. Wednesday, however, winds will pick up once again and bring overcast skies to the region along with colder temperatures and the possibility of light snow showers.

Enjoy your day,

Andy Wertheim