Dec 28 Alpental

Got up early and beat the avi closure at 7:30am at MP 47 and got a nice spot next to the bridge.
They reported 8" new overnight which seemed about right looking at cars in the lot, etc.

Debbie's opened at 9:10 and Chair 2 a little after 10. Snow was fine - no face shots but pretty consistent
heavier snow that filled in the ruts well and was fun to ski. Edelweis bowl had lots of wind affected snow,
the drop into International was scratchy (lots of rock) but fun after a few turns. The area could use more
snow to allow them to open up more terrain.

While in line at chair 2 a patroller spoke to the crowd asking folks not to duck ropes as they have
triggered lots of big fractures and (according to him) lots of areas still needed to be controlled before
they were be safe.

More terrain? Everything was open today except adrenaline(all rock) and the BC. It is pretty amazing to have Felsen and snake dance already open! Definitely psyched how the season is shaping up. The line was a little long, and the snow typically heavy, but Alpental is skiing great.

Just got back from Alpy. I had a late start at 12:30 (had to work). The snow was great. The parking was ridiculous! For the first time in 13 years I had to park in the back of the upper most lot by the BC ski out (I usually park in lot 3). Impressed with the coverage on Snake. I went on Christmas, the difference between Upper I entrance today and Tuesday was amazing. So much was scraped off but, I always managed to find a line.

Good Times!!

Elevator and ropeline got poached today. Bet that opens up this week. I'd also say that after the warming spell we've got coming 3-4 days out that the top traverse may be open on next snowfall if it doesn't crust over. Coverage is sufficient now.

I wouldn't count on either of the traverses opening the week of the first. Yes there is plenty of snow however this is not our usual maritime snow pack and current forecasts show cooler temps for the week. There was a 6 - 8 foot slab release in Mach’s Coulior in the last two days that highlight just how serious a situation it is out there. The current snowpack analysis on NWAC is lengthy and detailed on the current situation. We need a serious warming trend soon to get the snow pack back to normal conditions for our region.

Did the cliffs on international get coverd with Sundays Snow or did this one come in to cold as well? I can't Remember ever seeing such a sight looking up from the saddle.