One Last Powder Day

It's been a great 6 weeks... deep snow and high-quality powder (for the most part). But this spell of big powder dumps will end after this last storm moves through Monday night. Beginning Tuesday, it looks dry for at least a week... and the dry pattern could last into next week as well.

First things first -- Monday night's storm. When the snow initially begins late Monday afternoon, the snow level will be relatively high -- between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. There could even be areas of freezing rain along the lower slopes. But shortly after the precipitation arrives, the snow level will plummet rapidly and the wind will really pick up. Before 10pm, I expect the snow level to be no higher than 1,000 feet. The moisture supply quickly disappears after midnight, however... so most of the new snow will fall between 4pm and 10pm. The storm total will be 4-6", with the newest snow on top being fairly light and dry. But it will be windblown, as strong northwest winds will mark the arrival of the increasingly cold air.

Tuesday looks beautiful -- new snow on the ground with plenty of sun during the day. It should stay fairly cold Tuesday, with temperatures at the higher elevations staying in the low-mid 20s. Lower down, the temperature will approach freezing.

From Wednesday through Saturday, the sun will shine each day. Temperatures will be climbing, as the freezing level will be above 8,000 feet. A temperature inversion will likely set up, however, and that means that some chilly air may get trapped in the low spots... especially each morning. Up high on the sun-exposed slopes, it'll probably be mild enough to turn the snow into wet, spring-like slush in spots each midday. Then, in the late-afternoon, the snow will set back up again, making for hard-packed conditions each evening through morning. The groomed runs will be nice, but non-groomed areas will feature an unpleasant hard-packed base except for a couple hours around midday. Spots that stay completely shaded could maintain some winter-like snow for a few days. Night skiers/boarders beware -- this isn't a very good pattern for night-riding. By the time the lights come on each evening, the groomed areas will be skied-out, choppy and slippery, and the off-groomed areas will have frozen back into a rough hard-pack. Overall, it'll be very icy at night this week.

Frankly, I'm looking forward to this change in the weather. The powder has been great, but I'm itching to get in some high-speed cruising on nicely groomed runs beneath the daytime sun. Each resort should have their grooming fleets working hard, laying down lots of courderoy all over the mountain. My new high-speed Rossignol Zenith Z9s will get a much-needed test drive coming up. Can't wait to get up there...

Enjoy the sunshine!