It's Snowing!

It was a long time coming, but the snow has finally returned (for the moment). All of our snow dances seem to have been working. Thank you for your hard work. I know that I personally have sacrificed a significant amount of ptex to the snow gods so far this season.

Snow totals have ranged from 16 inches in the past 72 hours at Ski Bowl to 25 inches at Mt. Bachelor. Bachelor is currently reporting a 7 day total of 55 inches! According to the NOAA forecasts, more is on the way.

Well, being stuck in the valley this weekend while the snow was piling up in the mountains was just not something I could abide. So my bro(ther) Daniel and I loaded up our Suby and braved the hairy Portland streets on our way up to Mt. Hood. On Saturday, NWAC was forecasting considerable avalanche risk on all aspects at and above treeline, with moderate risk below treeline. Given the thin snowpack overall, and an especially thin snowpack below treeline, it seemed the right thing to do was to go the resort. We went to Ski Bowl, and while coverage was limited the quality of the snow left little to be desired.



Upper Bowl had recently been opened, and though only the East Wall was accessible the turns through the trees, were deep and blower.

During the course of the day, we noticed a handful of natural and skier-caused avalanches in wind loaded areas. While none of these were of significant concern, the handful of slides we saw affirmed our decision to stay in bounds. In addition, it was a good learning opportunity for Daniel, who is taking his Avy 1 next weekend.

Let's hope this snow keeps comin'!