March 06, 2001V-V-V-VariableThat would be the way I would have described the conditions as I vibrated down
the absolutely impenetrable corduroy of Silver Fox. We had been forced over
to the shady side of this run by a closure on Incline (looks like preparations
for a free style event) and the Nastar course that hogged the sunny side of
the run. It was a typical scorching spring day where everything was determined
by the attention of the sun and deep shade was not the place to be. Of course the predations of the sun were having an effect on the frail snow pack and while the hill certainly isn't in its death throes yet, it might be wise to keep the number of the priest handy. Getting people down from the Haul Back may soon be a challenge. Lower North Ridge was skiable without ski damage, but it certainly helped to be on good terms with the trees on the right border. I didn't see Wallaby today, but it was a complete mess yesterday afternoon and there were even traces of sun rot on the edges of View Trail, although the main route was fine. Away from the reach of the snow guns, brownish bits were certainly not uncommon on well trafficked runs and in the less busy, but sunny spots, even more sticks and other gotchas are starting to emerge. All this makes it sound like the skiing was miserable, but I at least did not find that to be the case and indeed found it quite enjoyable. At quarter to five in the afternoon the sky is crystal clear and the temperature
is still 11 C on my now shady porch. Hmmm. |
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