3-6" IN 24 HRS, WINDS FINALLY *CALMER*, COLD
Temps have dropped into the single digits, and for the first time in what feels like forever, wind speeds are not even hitting 20mph at the summit overnight, and 3-6" of new snow has fallen in the last 24 hours. This snow is rolling in from the Northwest, seeming to be trapped over the North Side of the mountain, depositing most of its goods at Lookout Ridge. To be honest, the temps, wind speed and direction are similar to a lot of the stroms where we have seen the South Face loaded up this year, however the weather stations are not indicating that that is the the case today, one of natures many mysteries. There's a chance for Westerly winds to pick up in the afternoon, however it doesn't look like we should see any wind holds out there today, unlike yesterday afternoon where it sounds like Swifty was being halted by the cold breeze.
WIND AND TEMPS: Temps today are gonna be frigid, ranging from -6°F at the summit, to 16°F, with mid mountain temps hovering around 10°F. Winds are expected out of the West, gusting to 30mph at the peak, and around 15mph at mid mountain. Flurries are falling now, but the morning should see sun poking through the clouds, then more clouds and snow rolling in after noon.
Looking like single digits in the forecast for the next handful of days, and with that decreasing cloud cover and much less wind. This latest weather system has been a shock to the system after a string of the warmest, sunniest days this year, we have been reminded of the voracius nature of the winds on this mountain. Thankfully our base is very deep, and our ski patrol does a great job of maximizing our ability to utilize all of this snow on all of the gnarly aspects this mountain has to offer. Hopefully we will see some healing on the South Face, and any other exposed steeps that have taken a beating in this wind.
On another note it seems over the last few years that the Super Bowl Sunday weekend before President's Day has become another national ski holiday, as most skiers couldn't care less about football, and blackout dates drive people to book their trips earlier. An interesting, yet unsurprising phenomenon.
As always, remember to stay safe, and have fun out there.
