Lake Tahoe 2015/16 - Year of Godzilla Baby Jesus

I think the fact that kirkwood actually has early/pre season terrain that can slide. Nobody is going into Mott and killebrew till it's actually open so not much to worry about at heavenly concerning avy danger. That preseason avy death at alpine is what has pushed current policy in this direction.
Gonna go ahead and say yestrday was a mighty fine first day. Getting some lake effect up here now
Is there anywhere to buy a snopark permit other then the chevron in meyers?

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Originally Posted by Wobby

went up to check out conditions. Definitely not as good as what Heavenly looked like. Jibber garden was in full swing at the summit when I drove past, so I continued to another spot. It was thin to say the least, so I cruised back over to the jib garden. Also had some success finding snow at the resort. Definitely wont be heading back up there until more snow.

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Thanks for that info. Scraped the storage wax off skis last night but I guess I'll put them back away for now.

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Originally Posted by gimpy

Is there anywhere to buy a snopark permit other then the chevron in meyers?

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Last year Chevron was out of season passes when I tried to get one, decided for grins to check in across the street at Roadrunner and they had them.

Looks like the forest service sells them also:
You may purchase your Sno-Park permit at the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor's Office located at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe

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Originally Posted by gimpy

I think the fact that kirkwood actually has early/pre season terrain that can slide. Nobody is going into Mott and killebrew till it's actually open so not much to worry about at heavenly concerning avy danger. That preseason avy death at alpine is what has pushed current policy in this direction.

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Assuming you're referring to the incident three years ago, it wasn't a slide. She fell and banged her head on a rock:
http://unofficialalpine.com/?p=669 Don't think it was a slide that made her fall either.

That's certainly what made Alpine try to prevent access and put up signs about it. Not sure if that's the rationale for Kirkwood though. Hard to say because Vail started operating Kirkwood that same season, so that could have caused them to start excluding people, but it also could be coincidental. Regardless, marketing/PR is pretty shit rationale for preventing public access, as I'm sure you'd agree.

Anybody know what Vail does at their other properties? (Northstar doesn't count because much of it is on private land.)

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Originally Posted by gimpy

Is there anywhere to buy a snopark permit other then the chevron in meyers?

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You can buy them online. Print out a temporary permit. They'll mail you a formal one within a week or so.

http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233

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Originally Posted by LightRanger

The ski areas are located where they are for a reason. Let's leave out Squaw, because it's largely private land, and look at Sugar Bowl, Alpine, and Kirkwood. Those three areas are all located on largely N-NE facing terrain at high elevation on the Sierra Crest. They occupy some of the best terrain in the Greater Tahoe area for early season skiing (and for skiing, period) because of their elevations, prevailing aspects, and slope angles. There are definitely other places folks can go, but the ski areas happen to be just about the best.

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Yep, this makes alot of sense. Thanks for the info!

And SchralphMacchio - Definitely noted on the vocab and it's a good PSA. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by TahoeJ

Banning drones at the resort is one thing I won't knock Vail for. Those things are a lot more dangerous than most people realize (especially the ones with propellers sturdy enough to withstand windy conditions) and the last thing we need is some gaper with a drone closing down a lift due to a collision (which is what actually happened at Vail a few years ago, hence the policy).

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What a freakin' nightmare. The damned quail on the hill are bad enough.

http://sdakotabirds.com/species_phot...ia_quail_1.jpg

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Originally Posted by LightRanger

Anybody know what Vail does at their other properties?

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Looks like they allow it at Vail/BC with the usual caveats.

http://www.vail.com/mountain/mountai...ftAccessPolicy

I remember that at Alpine; it was a really sad, pretty freak accident. It was also like the second year KSL had Alpine, so I imagine the liability concerns weighed heavily towards restricting pre-season access.

As far as KW is concerned, I think it would be valuable to figure out exactly where the figurative boundaries are. (If parking in the parking lot is not OK, is parking in the public right-of-way on the street? Shoveling your own spot off the street? Is all access on the slopes prevented, or only on groomers? Or only where there is active snowmaking?)

Currently preseason access is a complete grey area. Forcing them to codify the boundaries will help with two things: 1) It would allow BC skiers to know where they can legitimately ski and skin (presumably this is in the interest of Vailcorp as well). 2) It would require Vailcorp and the USFS to publicly provide evidence of justification of the policy (which may or may not exist, and may demonstrate that there is no basis for restricting access like this).

As snow levels keep climbing up year after year, this is definitely something to work on now since road-accessed BC will become harder to find.

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Originally Posted by teledad

Looks like they allow it at Vail/BC with the usual caveats.

http://www.vail.com/mountain/mountai...ftAccessPolicy

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Thanks for covering for my laziness.

That seems like a totally reasonable policy. You can argue with their disallowing of fat bikes (I'd imagine they'd say something like they mess up the corduroy that their clients pay $$$ for), but that's about the only thing to complain about. Looks like they allow dogs on leash at night, but not during the day (assuming that part refers to during the season). Again, totally reasonable, IMO. They make clear that the standard safety rules apply, and, notably, do not require uphill travelers to sign a release or get a ticket (even a free one) like Sugar Bowl has been doing.

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Originally Posted by emcee

I remember that at Alpine; it was a really sad, pretty freak accident. It was also like the second year KSL had Alpine, so I imagine the liability concerns weighed heavily towards restricting pre-season access.

As far as KW is concerned, I think it would be valuable to figure out exactly where the figurative boundaries are. (If parking in the parking lot is not OK, is parking in the public right-of-way on the street? Shoveling your own spot off the street? Is all access on the slopes prevented, or only on groomers? Or only where there is active snowmaking?)

Currently preseason access is a complete grey area. Forcing them to codify the boundaries will help with two things: 1) It would allow BC skiers to know where they can legitimately ski and skin (presumably this is in the interest of Vailcorp as well). 2) It would require Vailcorp and the USFS to publicly provide evidence of justification of the policy (which may or may not exist, and may demonstrate that there is no basis for restricting access like this).

As snow levels keep climbing up year after year, this is definitely something to work on now since road-accessed BC will become harder to find.

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Good points. Though resort liability concerns are way overblown. They're very protected. They'll use that as an excuse, but it's largely a BS excuse IMO. I think it's more PR. Your average member of Joe Public wouldn't understand that A/C hadn't started when somebody dies in an "inbounds" slide preseason. To us, it's backcountry. To a non-skier or fairweather skier, it's "Skier Dies in Avalanche at Alpine Meadows." At least that's how the marketing/PR folks would see it.

Also good point on snow levels. We've seen that for the last several seasons, and we'll continue to see it in the future. Definitely something I've been thinking about.

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Originally Posted by TahoeJ

Banning drones at the resort is one thing I won't knock Vail for. Those things are a lot more dangerous than most people realize (especially the ones with propellers sturdy enough to withstand windy conditions) and the last thing we need is some gaper with a drone closing down a lift due to a collision (which is what actually happened at Vail a few years ago, hence the policy).

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Actually was stoked to see the no drone sign. Can you imagine a busy day with those things buzzing every where. I'll only bring my drones with me into the bc. :eek:

Vail has done a good job of placing signage at KW. I'll give them that. They placed a bunch out on the high hike toward Pali that in effect can close down the ridge. That used these early season last year, and during heavy storms. While I miss having the access, I am sure they will prevent some gapers from accidentally skiing down the the lake. In general there is much better signage around the valley. But I know where everything is, so, meh. I'll only be happy once VC opens up the cirque for peeps w a partner and gear.

I'm waiting for nuthons pics, but I might be spending some time this week getting my shit in order.

Lightranger, thanks for the pm and all the work you're doing to keep public lands open to the public. I can easily see the same happening to heave when east bowl slides.

"6. Ensure that holder operations comply with Forest Service regulations (36 CFR 251.55(b)) and permit terms and conditions for non-exclusive use and that the ski area remains open to the non-paying public for all lawful uses that are not inconsistent with the holder’s rights and privileges and public safety. Document in the operating plan authorized restrictions on use by the non-paying public, and require the holder to post these restrictions in locations where they would be effective in informing the public, for example, on the ski area’s website and on site at a primary entrance or public information facility. In most cases, it would not be appropriate for restrictions to preclude all public use during the ski season other than by those purchasing a lift ticket or paying for other services."6

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1st 3 pic are my deepest turn. Shitty light but you get the idea.
https://www.tetongravity.com/images/...kw1__forum.jpg

https://www.tetongravity.com/images/...kw2__forum.jpg

https://www.tetongravity.com/images/...kw3__forum.jpg

The Frush getting some as well.
https://www.tetongravity.com/images/...kw4__forum.jpg

Jealous!

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Originally Posted by Mr. Toad

"6. Ensure that holder operations comply with Forest Service regulations (36 CFR 251.55(b)) and permit terms and conditions for non-exclusive use and that the ski area remains open to the non-paying public for all lawful uses that are not inconsistent with the holder’s rights and privileges and public safety. Document in the operating plan authorized restrictions on use by the non-paying public, and require the holder to post these restrictions in locations where they would be effective in informing the public, for example, on the ski area’s website and on site at a primary entrance or public information facility. In most cases, it would not be appropriate for restrictions to preclude all public use during the ski season other than by those purchasing a lift ticket or paying for other services."6

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Where's that text coming from?

Nuthon...looks like under Jims area to Sentinel?

Ok, so I'm a little jealous.

The Spur is a valuable option as many of you know...but the avy conditions can be touchy due to cornices and the aspect going from Eastern to Northern. The vertical is a bit short and a car shuttle helps out greatly, but bang for my buck at KW preseason would probably be skinning up Buckboard to top of the Wall. Many moons ago we did some laps down Eagle and Thunder Saddle early season with a fair amount of people to boot.

https://vimeo.com/53547011

Good call

heres some video

https://vimeo.com/144683132

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Originally Posted by emcee

Where's that text coming from?

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FS Policy Manual.

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Originally Posted by Nuthon

Good call

heres some video

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get some

I braved Mt. Rose's opening day and shredded the "Flying Jenny" for a grand total of 12 runs (counted skiing down to the magic carpet from the lodge as a run). I rode Jenny 6 times and boot-packed up the fence line the other 5.

After getting my fill on the man-made, low-angle stuff, I drove up to the summit of Mt. Rose Hwy and boot-packed about a quarter of the way up Tamarack Ridge and found a few untouched lines. I encountered some thigh deep powder, some windblown buff, and a few rocks. Lottsa folks up there sessioning temporary parks (there were at least 3 different parks set-up in the area).

Looking to poke around Tahoe Meadows in the next few days as the snow seems to be holding thanks to cooler temps up that way.

There's a decent bit of fluff coming in on Monday. I have Tuesday penciled in for putting skis on and seeing what there is around Rose/Tamarack etc.

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Originally Posted by dookey67

I braved Mt. Rose's opening day and shredded the "Flying Jenny" for a grand total of 12 runs (counted skiing down to the magic carpet from the lodge as a run). I rode Jenny 6 times and boot-packed up the fence line the other 5.

After getting my fill on the man-made, low-angle stuff, I drove up to the summit of Mt. Rose Hwy and boot-packed about a quarter of the way up Tamarack Ridge and found a few untouched lines. I encountered some thigh deep powder, some windblown buff, and a few rocks. Lottsa folks up there sessioning temporary parks (there were at least 3 different parks set-up in the area).

Looking to poke around Tahoe Meadows in the next few days as the snow seems to be holding thanks to cooler temps up that way.

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With the amount of cars at Mt. Rose resort yesterday as we drove by to ride the conveyor belt skiers must be pretty hungry. FYI, we toured off the Meadows on the TRT for a lengthy hike and there is coverage but a lot of granite too. So enough snow up there to skin and tentative turns but still a foot away from anything worth skiing with some degree of safety. Anyway, a pic of yesterday showing the average snow coverage.
https://www.tetongravity.com/images/...002__forum.jpg

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Originally Posted by skier666

Nuthon...looks like under Jims area to Sentinel?

Ok, so I'm a little jealous.

The Spur is a valuable option as many of you know...but the avy conditions can be touchy due to cornices and the aspect going from Eastern to Northern. The vertical is a bit short and a car shuttle helps out greatly, but bang for my buck at KW preseason would probably be skinning up Buckboard to top of the Wall. Many moons ago we did some laps down Eagle and Thunder Saddle early season with a fair amount of people to boot.

https://vimeo.com/53547011

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Spur zone needs a bit more snow to go though as the base surface is a quite a bit more craggy than Jim's/Sentinel.

I saw some pics on FB of the hike up behind dang, and it still look quite a bit sharky compared to Nuthons pics. Another storm tho...

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Originally Posted by Ottime

Spur zone needs a bit more snow to go though as the base surface is a quite a bit more craggy than Jim's/Sentinel.

I saw some pics on FB of the hike up behind dang, and it still look quite a bit sharky compared to Nuthons pics. Another storm tho...

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Yeah Jaime told me she hit a rock every turn there.

Lookin' good, powdork, nuthon, quadz; thanks for the reports and pix. Hey qz, I'll give you a ring when I get to Reno, let's do a tour.

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Originally Posted by dookey67

Looking to poke around Tahoe Meadows in the next few days as the snow seems to be holding thanks to cooler temps up that way.

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Hey, can we get a BOREAL ROLL CALL up in here?
(10 at 10 ain't gonna cut it!)

We are (planning) on heading up for their WROD on Sat'day.
Me & Cinders and 'tiniDakini.

Anyone else joining the cluster?
For me it's earliest 1st day so far, and 1st time at Boreal...

Attachment 171272

I could see some nice tracks, there on the back side of the Wood.
So nice to see the white.
On my way to Mammoth for a couple days.

Went back out to the heav today. Up to comet from stagecoach down and the up to the top of Olympic and back to stagecoach. Still fun out there, keep to the shady spots as the Death Star is starting to make things gloppy. Lots of snowmaking going on this am.

Headed back up tomorrow with the wife if anyone wants to go.


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The top of Mammoth made for a Fine morning. I feel worn. Glad they opened the gondola. Only one good core shot so far. Fine start.

Let it Snow!

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Originally Posted by powdrhound

The top of Mammoth made for a Fine morning. I feel worn. Glad they opened the gondola. Only one good core shot so far. Fine start.

Let it Snow!

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Totally wrong thread, bro. :mummy:

You need to read the roolz more closely in regards to posting in the proper thread.
try here: http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...Start-the-Show

My bad, but it was Good.

^just takin' the piss...

the Opening Day WROD at Boreal was surprisingly good. Edgeable packed machine-made fresh. Not terribly crowded, either (expect that will change after 3pm today as well as tomorrow).

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Originally Posted by powdrhound

Only one good core shot so far.

Let it Snow!

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Those armada bases found their kryptonite huh?




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What's the snow play situation in truckee or donner area? Coming over the hill tomorrow with the three kids for the ski swap. Should I bother with the snow play stuff and sleds?

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Originally Posted by dookey67

Boreal was surprisingly good. Edgeable packed machine-made fresh. Not terribly crowded, either (expect that will change after 3pm today as well as tomorrow).

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Thanks for the Conditions Report, Dooks.
I expect the crowd will be there first thing Sat morn.

Howzabout ewe?

Went to Elephant Back today. Saw a single track down the middle and one out of the lookers left side. The track down the middle looked like good turns, especially lower. It didn't help that the dog was being an asshole so I couldn't turn where or how I wanted to but I hit something on every turn until it flattened out some.
Nacho doing what he does
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/a...1&d=1446874187

to keep from ruining his base he decided to ride stoke instead
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/a...1&d=1446874187

it got better lower
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/a...1&d=1446874187

and below this looked like it was good too, but the good wasn't wide and it already had a track
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/a...1&d=1446874187

We ended up on the SAC page just above the rocks (where the dogs are standing in the pic above)
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/a...1&d=1446874187

Round Top had similar conditions. The best looking snow I could find with the lens was in between the sisters. If the section below here to Round Top lake is similar (I doubt it) this could be a good call tomorrow
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/a...1&d=1446874681

So I ended up getting a new Outback (stoked) and the dealership hooked it up with Sierra at Tahoe passes. Any good beta for where to crash in your car at Sierra?

Also way jealous the posted turns...I really need to get some rock skis with AT bindings

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Originally Posted by NorCalNomad

So I ended up getting a new Outback (stoked) and the dealership hooked it up with Sierra at Tahoe passes. Any good beta for where to crash in your car at Sierra?

Also way jealous the posted turns...I really need to get some rock skis with AT bindings

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You may want to choose one of the USFS roads near by to camp and crash. You might have some sad news with many of the parking pull offs being taken out as you head into South Lake Tahoe.

Another interesting note is that I love my Volkl Xplosivs for rock skiing. Look them up. I grabbed a slightly shorter pair with Solly 900 bindings. At 14 din on demo bindings. The cost was $100 on ebay. Look into it.

I spent 2 fall nights behind Harvey's casino. Security cruised through at 9am seeming without any purpose. Got away with one night at Gondola Raley's, kinda stuck out on that one. I know I'm curious which snow parks I can drink beer and eat fried chicken all night at.