TR: Today was fun 11.22.06

[mtnbikerskierchick]

Can't wait for more!

[telemetric]

Question oh sage- spalding?

[smitchell333]

BTW, the snowpack is feeling, looking, and skiing like May. I really hope we get some new snow before things turn to crap. It will if this warm spell goes on for too long.

Interesting - please elaborate on the snow conditions.

This time of year I would tend to think our biggest problem is depth hoar development - even though we've had above avg snowfall and pretty stable snow so far clock is ticking at least in those places its shallower.

At Berthoud it shows last night's low as 23 F or -5C. A temp gradient was happening last night anywhere there's less than 50 cm or 19.69 inches. At the Berthoud stake its showing 16.9"

[Rontele]

and after what they are calling for to be a large storm next week, it is going to be bitterly cold and dry.

[iskibc]

Question oh sage- spalding?

Saddle between Gray Wold and Warren. Close though. Spalding holds some fun lines too. Think I'll head back in the spring.

[iskibc]

Interesting - please elaborate on the snow conditions.

This time of year I would tend to think our biggest problem is depth hoar development - even though we've had above avg snowfall and pretty stable snow so far clock is ticking at least in those places its shallower.

At Berthoud it shows last night's low as 23 F or -5C. A temp gradient was happening last night anywhere there's less than 50 cm or 19.69 inches. At the Berthoud stake its showing 16.9"

You are completely right with the TG formation and all. The nights and days leading up to last night were fairly mild (spring-like). The high density snow that fell last week has settled at a nice and slow rate, giving us a nice bridge near the top. The past few days I've been out I've found nothing but solid spring-like conditions. Now, most of those days were primarily in shaded couloirs and high elevations. I was mostly speculating on the warm weather and freezing nights. During this warm spell areas above 11K were still managing to freeze, but saw temps rise to mid-upper 40s during the day.

Just my opinion and what I've found out there. We went into a cooling trend last night and it looks like we have a few more nights of clear and cold. I would guess that some surface hoar formation will occur on the deeper packs and depth hoar on the shallower packs these next few days.

[smitchell333]

You are completely right with the TG formation and all. The nights and days leading up to last night were fairly mild (spring-like). The high density snow that fell last week has settled at a nice and slow rate, giving us a nice bridge near the top. The past few days I've been out I've found nothing but solid spring-like conditions. Now, most of those days were primarily in shaded couloirs and high elevations. I was mostly speculating on the warm weather and freezing nights. During this warm spell areas above 11K were still managing to freeze, but saw temps rise to mid-upper 40s during the day.

Just my opinion and what I've found out there. We went into a cooling trend last night and it looks like we have a few more nights of clear and cold. I would guess that some surface hoar formation will occur on the deeper packs and depth hoar on the shallower packs these next few days.

I think from what you're saying and also what I've seen the good news is especially where deep its likely to stay bottoms up wise pretty solid.

And if we're lucky and we get more significant snow things will be even better

What kind of mileage is the approach? Guanella or Chicago?

[shera]

Yep. Nice detective work Andy.

SheRa, you working all weekend?

Yes, and I heard what you are doing and I am beyond green. You know how much I like and admire youknowwho.

I'll take some time after the holiday and really want to get out with you. With the tripod. And my new boards.

[Blurreds_left_nut]

I spent 6 hours in traffic to cover 180 miles. It was rad.

30 miles/hr - sounds like you tore it up. The one thing about Chicago I do not miss

[TeleHoar]

and really want to get out with you. With the tripod...

I'm sure Brett's a great guy and really does it for you...
but that is TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!

[iskibc]

What kind of mileage is the approach? Guanella or Chicago?

Chicago. A little over 5.5 miles each way. Only 3K of vertical gain though, so a pretty mellow skin. You can go Guanella, but then you would have to climb back out and you would be dropping into the chute blindly. There's a large rollover at the top.

I'm sure Brett's a great guy and really does it for you...
but that is TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!

Heh...