Goat Lake Day Hike
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Did a quick day hike to Goat Lake. It was a beautiful day to be in the high-country.
I saw one other person enjoying this gem of a location.
Another Day at the Ridge
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Doug and I went up the hill today and met up with Marc, Peter and others, and had a great day of skiing!
The conditions were somewhat challenging, but everyone had a good time.
Where is the snow?
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Well, so far this new year, it appears that El Nino is indeed having an effect. While we are getting some moisture, it is falling as rain fairly high in the hills, and not adding to the snow pack. In fact, this weedend, the rope tow is closed on Hurricane Ridge due to lack of snow.
Keep the chains oiled on your bikes I guess.
Hurricane Ski Day
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The weather and the conditions finally came together to allow a good ski day.
Jack and I, (and others) were greeted by near 'blue-bird' weather conditions, and decent snow. Everyone seemed to have a good time.
Crystal Mt. Ski Day
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Arriving Tuesday evening in rain and 33 degree temps dampened our spirits, although conditions on the ground were exactly as forecast. Checking in, the girl checked online for us, and confirmed that it was still 29 degrees up top with light snow all day.
We woke up to 36 degrees at the base area with snow/rain mix. After breakfast, we headed up to see what we could see. Freezing level appeared to be at about 4800'. In fact, we noticed that it was at tower #8 on Chinook, that the rain was now all snow.
As is usual for us, we set straight out on an adventure to the North Back, err, now 'Northway'. Conditions were heavy powder (probably about 4") on top of the tracked 15" or so of the previous 2 days. We made our way down to the Northway lift; Along the way seeing a skier 'rag-dolling' over a small cliff and landing at our feet. He apparently was ok, and very lucky.
After skiing down into Green Valley, we moved over to Lucky Shot where we found what would turn out to be the lightest powder of the day. We Skied off of the Queens chairlift, and then back to Lucky Shot. We explored the upper Bull Run area, and then back to Lucky Shot.
We ended up the day with about 17000' vertical, and toast for legs sometime before 2:00 pm. Winds were gusting on the ridge tops, but were no problem anywhere else on the mountain. visibility was the greatest disability for the day, clearing really well on only the last run.
All in all, it was a good trip.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The road opened today!
Unfortunately, the conditions are not very good for snow riding. A rain-soaked surface contributed to a firm, but breakable crust. Overcast skies prevailed, but at least someone was having fun (Image above).
The freezing level was at 4400 ft. at 12:00 pm, and the forcast is for warmer weather with rain. This helps create a solid base, but not so good for now.
Maybe next week?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Although we are in an 'El Niņo' weather pattern, it appears that we are off to a good start to the snow riding season.
El Niņo's typical warmer and dryer influence may not occur until January or Febuary. So, don't take the early season for granted; Go get some on ya!
It would be nice if ONP would OPEN THE ROAD!