MAMMOTH CONDITIONS REPORT | Good things come in small packages. Or, in this case, small amounts. Two nights ago the Mountain received a dusting of spring graupel – Mammoth logged it as 1” on the books. Yeah, I’d say that was a fair estimate… So, were the conditions good today? They weren’t just good, they were outstanding!
So how does such minimal fresh snow transform crust and junk (yes, these words best describe the off-piste conditions for Weds & Thurs) into such epic riding? Honestly I’m not sure, but that’s truly what it did. A light dusting, cool temps up high, and a south wind provided some of the best all around conditions we’ve seen all season.
Don’t believe me? Ask one of the 100s (1000s?) of smiling skiers/snowboarders that took runs off the top of the Gondola time and time again today. In fact I haven’t seen such a consistent line for the Gondi (bottom and mid), on a non-powder day, like this all season long.
Today I kept thinking to myself, “yeah, Mammoth doesn’t have any snow, better wait ‘til next season.” Yes, my inner-voice is big on sarcasm too.
THE CONDITIONS
The PROS:
- Bluebird, light breeze and comfortable temps – a nice mix to keep everybody happy.
- HERO snow: Dave’s and Climax were steeped in windbuff. Even the Dropouts, Wipeouts and Paranoids were getting in on the action.
- I didn’t make it out early enough to slice and dice some groomers but I was informed that it was grade A, especially having a little fresh with which to mix in.
- The snow just kept getting better as the day wore on. The Face of Five was buffing up and the lower mountain runs were corning up.
- Weekend Warriors/Spring Breakers were in force yet lift lines were never an issue.
- It’s been more than a week since the big storm and top ridges are still well covered.
The CONS:
- If you really weren’t tuned into where the goods were (and you’d really have to be aloof to be tuned out), yes, you could encounter some firm, chattery spots.
- Off-piste south facing runs were funky.
- Not a good day to “send it.” A dusting on top of hard pack doesn’t invite big airs.
- Spots/runs not seeing the benefits of the south wind, i.e. Roger’s Ridge, Face Runs on Lincoln, were to be avoided.
PARK REPORT:
- South Park had the most action today. All jumps and jibs are in prime shape.
- Nobody was attempting the big jumps in Main today – too much wind. Hey, why waste your time there on a day like today, with such great conditions up top?
- Superpipe was firm – I did not stick around to see if it ever softened.
- The jumps in Forest Trail are ready for a re-build – the landings are muy flat.
The STATS:
- New Snow: 1-2” of graupel blanketed the Mountain on Thursday night.
- Base: approx. 7’+
- Weather: Forecasts are still showing snow for tomorrow. Approximately 6” of snow are predicted for the next 24 hours – I get the feeling that conditions will be fresh and fun for the next couple days, perhaps for even longer than that.
- Conditions: Definitely a wide range of snow types out there today. All that you should be concerned with is the hero windbuff up high and the spring corn down low.
- Lifts: All lifts except for Chair 20.
- Runs: 100% of the Mountain would be open if not for Hangman’s and MJB’s being closed… and in my opinion, they should be open.
Bottom line: Only 2 days ago the off-piste riding was the pits. Today it was outstanding! How does that work?
NOTE: I was so hooked on Dave’s and Climax today that I didn’t get to test the waters everywhere… You tell me, where else was it good out there today?