SNOW IN THE PNW 2018-19

**Kopi_Red** · 03-12-2019, 10:54 PM

Skied Stevens today. Found dust on crust out back and soft snow on the front side. I’ll probably be back up there tomorrow wearing some Coug colors (Crimson coat, Grey pants) rocking either SuperGoats or X88s.

**kellen** · 03-14-2019, 02:51 PM

Hoping for some guidance for next week as I'm new to the PNW snowpack/weather cycles. Temps are supposed to ramp up quite a bit across western Washington beginning Monday, and I pre-purchased lift tickets for Crystal for a few days next week. I've heard all the crustal jokes, but how bad could things potentially be during the mornings considering the lows are supposed to stay below freezing but then jump up to 50-55 during the day? Should I sleep in and arrive later to allow things to thaw a bit?

In hindsight I would have not bought the tickets had I known it would be so warm (bought them over a month ago when the boss approved me taking PTO for the week), but I'm trying to make the best of it now...

**AK47bp** · 03-14-2019, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by kellen

Hoping for some guidance for next week as I'm new to the PNW snowpack/weather cycles. Temps are supposed to ramp up quite a bit across western Washington beginning Monday, and I pre-purchased lift tickets for Crystal for a few days next week. I've heard all the crustal jokes, but how bad could things potentially be during the mornings considering the lows are supposed to stay below freezing but then jump up to 50-55 during the day? Should I sleep in and arrive later to allow things to thaw a bit?

In hindsight I would have not bought the tickets had I known it would be so warm (bought them over a month ago when the boss approved me taking PTO for the week), but I'm trying to make the best of it now...

You’re over thinking it man. Just go. You’ll have fun.

**PNWbrit** · 03-14-2019, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by AK47bp

You’ll have fun.

Don't forget to check out the umbrella.

**AK47bp** · 03-14-2019, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by PNWbrit

Don't forget to check out the umbrella.

Biggest in North America.

**L82thegate** · 03-14-2019, 05:27 PM

Sun will soften things pretty quick and you'll see how the run/mtn. orientation plays with that. Look forward to the good weather and ski that mutha up!

**oftpiste** · 03-14-2019, 05:34 PM

and the view from the top never gets old.....

It'll be fine, unless you're hell bent on skiing terrain that would suck anywhere in the same conditions.

**PNWbrit** · 03-14-2019, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by oftpiste

and the view from the top never gets old.....

You've been to the top of umbrella?

Jealous.

**oftpiste** · 03-14-2019, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by PNWbrit

You've been to the top of umbrella?

Jealous.

The button on top is a little big, but with some CBD lube it works just fine. Don't blame you for being jealous!

**greenmachine** · 03-15-2019, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by kellen

Hoping for some guidance for next week as I'm new to the PNW snowpack/weather cycles. Temps are supposed to ramp up quite a bit across western Washington beginning Monday, and I pre-purchased lift tickets for Crystal for a few days next week. I've heard all the crustal jokes, but how bad could things potentially be during the mornings considering the lows are supposed to stay below freezing but then jump up to 50-55 during the day? Should I sleep in and arrive later to allow things to thaw a bit?

In hindsight I would have not bought the tickets had I known it would be so warm (bought them over a month ago when the boss approved me taking PTO for the week), but I'm trying to make the best of it now...

If there’s a thaw and rerfreeze just follow the sun. Xtal has a lot of steep north facing (all three bowls and the king) - if it doesn’t get too warm you will be in good shape- if not ... well...

**californiagrown** · 03-15-2019, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by kellen

Hoping for some guidance for next week as I'm new to the PNW snowpack/weather cycles. Temps are supposed to ramp up quite a bit across western Washington beginning Monday, and I pre-purchased lift tickets for Crystal for a few days next week. I've heard all the crustal jokes, but how bad could things potentially be during the mornings considering the lows are supposed to stay below freezing but then jump up to 50-55 during the day? Should I sleep in and arrive later to allow things to thaw a bit?

In hindsight I would have not bought the tickets had I known it would be so warm (bought them over a month ago when the boss approved me taking PTO for the week), but I'm trying to make the best of it now...

I mean, if you don't like skiing spring conditions, you should probably avoid booking ski vacations in the spring.

Crystal should keep you entertained. Lots of terrain and area to explore straight off a lift, or with a little bootpacking. Plus the view from the top is stunning. I highly suggest you ride the gondola up first time and face the mountain, youll get that "oh shit!" moment about 95% of the way to the top.

**Greydon Clark** · 03-15-2019, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by kellen

Should I sleep in and arrive later to allow things to thaw a bit?

Yes.

Mostly sunny with temps in the mid-40s... pretty prime for spring skiing.

**kellen** · 03-15-2019, 01:15 PM

Thanks guys - I guess my over-analyzing brain was worried it might be a slush fest considering how high the temps are supposed to be. Looking forward to it now!

**ryaaaan** · 03-15-2019, 01:26 PM

Apologies in advance for noobie question:
I’m flying up to Crystal next week for the FWQ event- anyone know the easiest way to get from the airport up to the hill without renting a car? Shuttles, ride shares, etc?
Google and Crystal’s website don’t seem to be super helpful...

**californiagrown** · 03-15-2019, 01:47 PM

Ass, Grass, or Cash.

Where are you actually staying? At Crystal or somwhere else?

**pipedream** · 03-15-2019, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Leavenworth Skier

Yeah, much needed improvement. Now they need to scrap Chair 1 and replace it with a fixed grip quad at the minimum.

Yes buuut

Originally Posted by Liftblog

If all goes according to planned, Mission Ridge guests can be the only ones in the world to ride a classic Riblet double chair to a bubble detachable next winter.

**wickstad** · 03-15-2019, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by pipedream

Yes buuut

Chair one is the Achilles heel. High speed quad from bottom to top with a mid station unload/load I should add. Remember midloading on the old chair one at Baker. Flying up that ramp...

**ryaaaan** · 03-15-2019, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by californiagrown

Ass, Grass, or Cash.

Where are you actually staying? At Crystal or somwhere else?

Yep- up at the hill

**wickstad** · 03-21-2019, 04:09 PM

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Still skiing at Mission. Almost fifty degrees but snow is still pretty good on the piste.

**cstefanic** · 03-21-2019, 04:14 PM

Good corn skiing from this past weekend up at Mt. McCausland.

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**wordbird** · 03-21-2019, 05:48 PM

I got a favor to ask as a former PNW resident. Can one of you shine the light on Missoulians about definition of mediocre. Preferably with a picture or two.

**Wapow** · 03-21-2019, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by ridinshockgun

Are these shots from 8 mile Peak or somewhere nearby? 2nd pic is Daniel/Citadel?

**PNWbrit** · 03-21-2019, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by wordbird

I got a favor to ask as a former PNW resident. Can one of you shine the light on Missoulians about definition of mediocre. Preferably with a picture or two.

Can someone send him a picture of a really small umbrella.

**wickstad** · 03-21-2019, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by wordbird

I got a favor to ask as a former PNW resident. Can one of you shine the light on Missoulians about definition of mediocre. Preferably with a picture or two.

I think you might know more about mediocre these days than us. Judging by the transplants getting sick of winter’s over abundance in your neighborhood.