Last night temperatures did not drop below freezing. The High Traverse was on my mind for early morning turns. I headed over hoping for perfect spring corn, but what I found was a softer surface than anticipated. Sun Bowl and CB Chute are angled for morning sun that cause them to soften early. I went back for a second try and found a more firm, spring corn consistency on the south west facing aspects. Ski Patrol closed the High Traverse early because it was softening sooner than expected.
The same was true of the South Face slopes at Sherwood. Skiing the more south westerly aspect of East Gully meant spring corn underfoot, especially on the upper 3/4 of the run. The main groomed run also skied well, but that most likely do to the machine grooming.
Trails off Lakeview face more westerly and thus offered a very nice spring surface. Outer Limits and Outer Outer Limits were good enough for more than one run each. The same was true of Bobby’s and Ridge Run off the Scott Chair. I was very happy to find Scott Chute in excellent condition in the afternoon. There are good size moguls in the chute, but the surface was made of soft sweet corn.
Scott Chute in the afternoon
The same was true of the well skied surfaces in Seldom Slides, Gentian, and Promised Land.
I was very surprised to be skiing Promised Land at 2 in the afternoon on such a more day, but I was glad I had the opportunity munch on its sweet corn.
Promised Land held up nicely
The lower 1/3rd of Gentian was smooth as silk
Thus, my take on the day was that different aspects on the mountain offered up very different conditions. I never found a very firm frozen topping, but I did fight through some very soft slushy conditions, and ended glided down some delightful spring corn.
Melting snow is causing a lot of debris to be exposed. Tree limbs, and lots of small clumps of pine needles, are scattered all over the mountain. If you are off the main trails keep your eyes open for unmarked obstacles.
Enjoy your day,
Andy