Thread: Colorado Weather Discussion Thread

Rolling the dice without testing the snowpack, or unable to determine what the main instability is? I think there's a big difference between the two...but perhaps not?

Originally Posted by bobsdesk

Rolling the dice without testing the snowpack, or unable to determine what the main instability is? I think there's a big difference between the two...but perhaps not?

I think it's pretty easy to determine what and where instabilities lie, but I think some people continue to ignore them. A 3-5' crown at this stage in the season surprises me none, and it probably won't be long before something double that size breaks. Last season, I spent 90% of the season away from the resorts, whereas this season has been more like 90% at them... amazing what a year makes.

I've seen things slide this year that haven't slid in the previous 35 years. Be careful!

Seriously, is no one able to talk about "conditions" other than in terms of slide danger! SKI conditions anyone? Bueller?

Snowed about 4-5' in the last 2 weeks.. of course it's good out there. Just stay out of the open where the winds have hammered shit hard.

Originally Posted by PappaG

I think it's pretty easy to determine what and where instabilities lie, but I think some people continue to ignore them. A 3-5' crown at this stage in the season surprises me none, and it probably won't be long before something double that size breaks. Last season, I spent 90% of the season away from the resorts, whereas this season has been more like 90% at them... amazing what a year makes.

It already has. There's a crown out in EV that's probably 8-10', based on looking at it from afar. Triggered remotely, no less.

Originally Posted by PappaG

Snowed about 4-5' in the last 2 weeks.. of course it's good out there. Just stay out of the open where the winds have hammered shit hard.

PappaG you da man. Thats a ton on new snow. I assume stuff is filling in pretty well in those areas, right? Some places around Berthoud are still thin IMO. The latest report from Cameron is that the trees are finally skiing well with a supportable base, but above treeline is terrible.(and dangerous)

For reference, snow depth at Bear Lake right now is 54". This time last year it was 58".
At Cameron Pass, it's 47" compared to 76" last year.
At Grizzly Peak, it's 48" vs. 71".


So basically, if I was going to tour, I would be in RMNP without hesitation (heard that it's been amazing to say the least). Plenty of safe options skiing trees on the east face of Flattop (directly off the prominent knoll... easy to lap) or in the terrain park. Both spots well-protected from the wind with quite a few benches to keep things from getting too dangerous. Not sure I would mess with Berthoud too much (i.e. high winds for the past week+).

I think you're right about touring in the park being the best option. Unfortunately we're meeting someone coming from Rifle halfwayish.

BTW, St. Mary's is touring pretty good right now. There is a recent avalanche observation on CAIC since I've been there.

If at St. Mary's, trees looker's left of the lake should be good. Can be on the steep side up high. Expect tons of loading. Maybe head up Pennsylvania Creek near Blue River? North Baldy Trees look good. Never checked it out, but I bet the trees on the E/NE side of Quandary would be good.

EDIT - Hoosier Pass shows 44" base compared to 51" last year this time.

I left a ski up there in those looker's left trees. I'm still hoping it doesn't take a slide into the lake when it melts out in spring/summer.

Any thoughts/forecasting/discussion/bullshitting for the chances of the storm producing for Friday morning in Summit Co?

Opensnow seems to be down again.

^^^ define producing.

Originally I thought tomorrow would be a great day, but Friday morning should be better especially if the storm tracks just a bit more delayed. Hoping that it doesn't juice up until after noon tomorrow.

This page should deliver the goods benkraj.

http://www.powderbuzz.com/reports.php

Originally Posted by soylent green

This page should deliver the goods benkraj.

http://www.powderbuzz.com/reports.php

Holy weather overload!! Fucking great.

Yeah wow. That link is $, thanks SG.

Oh, and since I have to work AFD on Friday, it will definitely snow a coupla feet. And today was rediculously fun.

Monarch was the fucking shit today...that is all.

breck didn't suck, diagonal and ivans were fucking insanely supportive untouched. Tomorrow: storm tree skiing, friday maybe more like today (storm moves out). gotta love the slightly heavier stuff that seemed to be on the slopes today, so bouncy smillllesss....

How will vail be on Saturday after this storm? Heading there either friday or saturday and am wondering which i should choose for optimum white stuff

Originally Posted by ace..

How will vail be on Saturday after this storm? Heading there either friday or saturday and am wondering which i should choose for optimum white stuff

If anyone can predict the future before this storm even hits, then I am going to hound them to tell me the lottery numbers for next week.

To be "safer" on that prediction, go Friday...not rocket science.

Originally Posted by soylent green

This page should deliver the goods benkraj.

http://www.powderbuzz.com/reports.php

Wow. Tons of info there. Thanks bud.

Originally Posted by ace..

How will vail be on Saturday after this storm? Heading there either friday or saturday and am wondering which i should choose for optimum white stuff

Saturday.