I think some of us thought the snow would have turned to corn overnight, but that really did not occur. Temperatures were just below freezing, but a hard freeze did not occur. After one run down Sunspot, and Dance Floor, it became apparent that the upper mountain surface was very soft and the lower groomed runs were very firm.
We had to hike the High Traverse because it was open to test Sun Bowl, Big Bend Bowl, other areas leading to the base of Sherwood. The walk up the ridge line from the top of Summit to the traverse leading to Upper Saddle was quick and easy. This route is much easier than side stepping up from the shack covering the top of Alpine Bowl Chair. We found smooth corn snow on the left side of Sun Bowl before traversing over to the lower section of Big Bend Bowl. This was to avoid dropping to the end of the snow line where summer ground is beginning to take over. The lower portion of Big Bend was just on the cusp of turning into very deep, soft, and wet snow that can be difficult to ski. It was still in the enjoyable state of melting.
I heard varying descriptions of the conditions in the areas skiers accessed using the High Traverse. They varied from good, to not worth doing. Not worth doing were the slopes with very wet soft snow and/or areas with growing sun cups. Slopes covered with sun cups can create a rather rough ride. My group of friends indicated that they thought it was definitely worth the hike.
Sherwood was in pretty good condition today, but avoiding the wet, soft, mank style snow was necessary. We took runs through Power Line, down the Sherwood Face (skier left and the middle), Chute Zero (skier left), and East Gully. I thought the areas that had been skied yesterday were the best as the snow was more smooth on these slopes. They also included the least number of sun cups. Returning to the front side via Art’s Knob offered moguls that could be tamed.
According to Mark, the best run of the day was D8. It was spring corn with just a few firm patches. On the other hand, D7 was slush, and not high on the enjoyment scale.
I did enjoy the slushy moguls covering Pygmy Forest, the Palisades, and Middle Yellow Gully.
We are hoping cooler temperatures will create a more firm surface overnight creating nice corn tomorrow morning. It is very warm and sunny this afternoon, but I believe we have cloudy skies on tap for tomorrow.
It is hard to believe, but there are only 4 days left before closing at Alpine Meadows.
Enjoy your day,
Andy