MAMMOTH CONDITIONS REPORT | Some of the best days hit when you least expect it… Today was one of those days. Even local’s jaws were gaped today thanks to a thoroughly rejuvenated top – nearly all off-piste riding was in prime condition.
How is this all so hard to believe? This boils down to the nasty conditions we experienced yesterday. Winds rocketed through town and we only briefly saw snow around 3-4pm (in town accumulation amounted to zilch). Otherwise, for the most part, rain was coming down in sheets. This would all lead one to believe/expect that more snow was being washed away from the hill, rather than added.
Well, apparently while the town was seeing April showers the Mountain was being re-pasted to perfection. Some how the “snow” the Mountain received was just the right consistency, coating the old, firm spring layer with a nice, new forgiving top-sheet.
Once again the upper mountain off-piste riding was inviting – in fact, it was the place to be. Yesterday’s minor 3” storm was enough to reset our coverage and gape everyone’s jaws.
The PROS:
- 3” of new “snow” and the mountain looks fresh and is thoroughly ride-able once again.
- With a light uphill breeze there were a few spots that you could easily get barreled.
- In some spots, i.e. half way down the ‘Noids, the snow was a very nice consistent spring cream.
- Just about anything off the top was great. I give 2 big thumbs up to Climax and the Paranoids.
- Coming up this weekend? You should like what you find.
- Groomers were corning up nicely.
The CONS:
- Temps will be back up into the 60s as early as tomorrow and as far out as forecasts are showing. Thanks to the unique nature of yesterday’s snow conditions may still carry-over well.
- Thin spots are showing and are sure to be growing.
- Bump lines will need to be re-worked. I have faith that the local bump “club” will make quick work of that.
PARK REPORT:
- Jump landings firmed up quite a bit as a result of the past 2 days’ stormy weather. I expect that we’ll be back to typical spring park conditions as early as tomorrow.
- Pipe remained firm most of the day.
- Couple new features appeared in Main Park including a nice big flat-down box.
- Look off towards Solitude/Chair 10 and there’s some very interesting construction going down… Exclusive photo-shoot zone, spring park, what?
The STATS:
- New Snow: 3″ of new something. In most spots it covered the old layer yet it was still very forgiving.
- Base: approx. 5’ and shrinking… BTW this is an average.
- Weather: Tomorrow and the week to come looks to be very springy… Nice freeze-thaw cycle coming with day time temps in the 60s, evening temps potentially in the 30s.
- Conditions: Winter pow, spring corn, spring cream, afternoon glue… a mix of a lot of fun stuff.
- Lifts: Mid-week we’re now down to 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, G1, G2. It will be interesting to see what’s running tomorrow/Saturday.
- Runs: Upper mountain coverage is still in good shape. Yes, even Hangman’s Hollow was open today.
Bottom line: Heading to the hill today I would’ve never expected conditions to be as good as they were. The off-piste riding was better than it’s been in a while and I’m optimistic that this will carry-on even as temps go up.