jan 2, 2008

24hr snow = 18cm
base depth = 183cm
cumulative = 440cm
freezing level = valley
days riding = 20

five day forecast
day1 7-14 day2 20-30 day3 25-35 day4 30-40 day5 3-5

all 18cm fell last night so it seemed worthy of checking out. the crowds are still here, but not too bad. took them a while to get the alpine open, but i waited it out at peak chair and was rewarded with a long run of fresh snow. checked out west cirque again, but it had been so wind affected that it was like putting an edge into hardpack. paid off though with a run through bonsai trees and mega face shots on every turn. capped it off with peak to creek which became more like cement about halfway down.
figured i'd try doing a letter grading system for the days that i ride. might take some refinement along the way. keep in mind this is all relative to my own experiences...

snow coverage: B (A+ would be 30+ fresh top to bottom; F would be rocks, grass and logs)
snow quality: C+ (A+ would be dry powder top to bottom; F would be rain top to bottom)
run selection: B (A+ would be good snow, untracked lines; F would be busy, cliffs, tree wells)
crowds: B- (A+ would be laps on empty peak chair; F would be line over the bridge at creekside gondola)