Today’s snow conditions in one word: variety. From soft, day-old pow to spring-time slush, Mammoth pretty much has it all right now. Today we saw a bump in temperatures, perhaps in the range of 10-15 degrees higher than what we’ve consistently seen throughout the past 7-10 days, which has presented a bit of a twist on conditions.
Today’s slight shift up in temps was enough to give the snow around Canyon and Little Eagle a spring-like feel, yet not enough to affect the dry, mid-winter snow above McCoy Mid-Station. This has translated to some very fun skiing and riding, especially if you time your runs appropriately throughout the day as the sun softens the snow at lower elevations and on southern aspects.
I’ll admit though, I have heard a handful of people complain about current conditions at Mammoth. Sure, I’d rather be gorging on pow (as they apparently have been for 2 months straight in Japan and AK). But, to complain… really? Blue skies, edge-able snow, great terrain parks, mini-drops, bumps, steeps, good company, zero lift-lines… Guess you’re right, no fun to be had here.
THE CONDITIONS
The PROS:
- Groomers are still awesome. The early bird gets the worm: fresh cords are gobbled up faster than fresh pow around here, so don’t sleep in if this is what you’re after.
- Many runs off the top, such as the Dropout and Wipeout Chutes, have remnants of fresh, soft snow thanks to the 2-4” we received 2 days ago.
- A West wind has returned. If this persists we might be seeing some good ol’ wind-buff on the upper mountain.
- Catch the right runs at the right time of day and you’ll be rewarded with some very nice, soft, spring-like snow. Watertank and Haven’t the Foggiest are a couple good examples of this.
- The Mountain is pretty much a ghost-town mid-week. In fact, week-end crowds have been rather sparse as well.
The CONS:
- Entry for most runs off the top is still dicey. Take your time to get to know where the reefs are; take your time getting into your line. Snow has been great on Climax and the runs off of Chair 23 but access is a challenge.
- With spring-like snow on the lower mountain there may be a freeze/thaw cycle in effect = give the snow some time to soften-up in the morning.
- There are a few spots starting to get a little thin. There may be some snow in the forecast starting Saturday, which will surely improve the situation.
PARK REPORT:
- The jumps in Main Park are big and shaped well. A recent Unofficial Mammoth Video with Lonnie Kauk puts these jumps on display.
- Forest Trail’s intermediate level jumps have been re-built.
- No new developments with South Park.
- Wonderland Park by Canyon Lodge is back. For some reason it had been “mowed-over” earlier this week.
- If enough snow comes in this next wave they may be able to finally build the pipes at South and Wonderland.
- The Super Pipe is closed for reconstruction.
The STATS:
- New Snow: 2-3” fresh on Feb. 7th. I don’t think the Mountain even reported this… Why?
- Base: approx. 4’ (some places it’s a bit less, other places it’s a LOT more).
- Weather: Snow in the forecast for this week-end. Predictions for storm total? West wind through the next couple days may translate to some nice windbuff.
- Conditions: Packed powder, upper mountain. Spring cycle through tomorrow, lower mountain.
- Lifts: All now in operation except Chair 20.
- Runs: Nearly all terrain is open, with exception to some of the gnarliest lines on the upper portion of the mountain.
Bottom line: I have heard a few people complain about the conditions. My guess is these people just like to complain, period.