Backcountry skiing, Cross Country, Snowshoe, get outside and enjoy some new powder this week. Here is quick synopsis on fresh powder this week and a brief look at what is still open resort wise. I suspect that nearly every resort will be closed soon, but there are some still holding on. If you venture into the Backcountry please have the skills and necessary training. CV needs to be taken seriously. I plan on Cross country skiing for the rest of the season followed by some Backcountry. I also plan to get into Bike mode early this season. The Front Range of Colorado is likely to score some deep powder this week making some great opportunity to get outside! This might be a good time to learn some new activities like Skate or Classic skiing.
Snow is still falling in Northern California with most of the action north of I-80 and swooping East into the northern Reno Metro areas (Lowland snow). Here is a quick look at the radar this morning from northern Cal showing light snow showers near Truckee with heavier bands north of Reno.
Looking at the snow telemetry in California, it appears that this last storm put down as much as 50-60 inches in some spots along the Sierra Crest (Refer to Bryan's OpenSnow Tahoe forecast for details). I was in Tahoe witnessing the epic dump (Skied Mount Rose on Sunday). The Tetons nabbed nearly 20 inches last weekend to close out the season at Grand Targhee while JHMR closed for the season.
Below: Interesting map from the National Weather Service this morning for the Sierra Range.
The week ahead features snow showers for southern Utah Wednesday, increasing late AM sneaking some moderate snow towards Brian Head (Still Open). The bulk of the moisture may stay further south over Arizona. Late Wednesday or early Thursday should see some fresh turns (3-8). Further south it's likely that the Arizona Snowbowl grab 7-14 inches from Wednesday to Thursday. They have hinted at closing, but as of right now the resort remains open.
Honorable Mention: The Wasatch Range will grab some light snow and much colder temps on Wednesday freshening up the Backcountry with 2-5 inches (BCC favored).
The 4 corners, especially southern Colorado will see a good storm late Wednesday into Thursday (7-15). That system will sweep north over the Front Range of Colorado on Thursday. Winds shift to the NW initially (Summit County could sneak out a surprise near Breckenridge late Wednesday night or early Thursday) and bring some light or moderate snow to the resorts further West along I-70. Winds then shift to the North Thursday morning that will increase snowfall for the Front Range Corridor (Continental Divide). Heavy snow is possible favoring the Northern Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, Fort Collins, and northern Boulder County. This could bring an excess of 12 inches to many areas for some great outdoor fun for storm conditions late Thursday morning through Friday morning.
Bottom Line: Some good opportunity to chase some Dessert Pow in Arizona Wednesday and Thursday. High confidence of a decent storm for Southern Colorado and the Front Range for Thursday/Friday. If you are sick stay inside! If not, consider some outdoor recreation at your own risk. I personally think exercise cures many things. I know that snow also triggers endorphins that are good for you! Stay Healthy!
I will have an updated list of open resorts later today. As of right now here is what I know is likely still open.
1) Waterville Valley- Limited skiing, $17 tickets
2) Arizona Snowbowl
3) BC: Shames Mountain, Hudson Bay Mountain, and Powder King, and Mount Baldy (Limited days open and subject to full closure at anytime- Check the websites)
4) Brian Head- Utah
5) Nordic Valley- northern Utah near Ogden
This list will be updated but likely to fizzle as time goes on.
Enjoy the outdoors if you venture out! Live today like your last deep run this season! There is more snow in the forecast so keep the stoke going! Stay healthy so you can keep the face shots going for next season or in the Backcountry this year. Don't venture into the Backcountry without the proper skills and a partner.
Powderchaser Steve
