A Happy Storm Day

It is snowing lightly out my office window overlooking the Truckee River. Streets that have been plowed along the Truckee River seem to be without snow. The snow that accumulated at this lower elevation was wet, but higher up it fell in a drier form than last night and during the day today. I got a late start this morning thinking it might not have been great skiing during the morning hours. I was wrong, according to Mark who indicated it was excellent when he came into the locker room for a quick break as I was walking out the door.

It was gusty on the mountain today. Winds were blowing and creating white-out conditions. Then they would let up exposing some very nice winter snow. In places it was wind swept, but there was no crust on the top. Fresh turns in new snow was available to those who could find it.

Scott Chair was not operating today.

This photo shows us that creeks have not frozen and are exposed.  Take caution when skiing near them

The upper mountain was not open as winds appeared to have been steady in the 55 to 65 mile per hour range most of the day. This included Summit, Lakeview, and Scott Chairs.

Uncrowded lifts and slopes on a perfect storm day

Sherwood, Roundhouse, and TLC were operating. I enjoyed making fresh tracks in the Power Line area at Sherwood as well as finding good snow on the Sherwood Face. I did speak to a couple of people that skied South Face who also reported a nice flat wind packed surface. Although the light was flat, I was able to find good snow in the trees where there was better feasibility. Expert Short Cut and Counterweight Gully were in excellent winter condition. God’s Knob, Red Ridge, and Chicken Leg certainly pleased me. Mark wanted me to mention that Rolls and Knolls the area next to Charity needs to be renamed as it has been filled in and the knolls are gone. (Rolls, No Knolls)

There were no lines at the base of the lifts today which is always a blessing, but there were enough people so I did not have to ride alone. I rode with a couple of locals at one point. We were discussing the fact that there have been more mechanical holds this year than in the past. One of the skiers piped up and noted that the Chamber of Commerce had told her (or she read it somewhere) that the new gondola was delayed because the gondola cabins had been installed backwards. I found this to be interesting, but most likely untrue. Maybe she misunderstood what had been installed backwards. I can tell you that everyone I rode with today was happy and repeating that it was good skiing and a great to be enjoying a good storm day.
As you can see in the photo below, some things have been on mechanical hold from a very long time.

Enjoy your day,

Andy