Dec 28, 2010, Alpental, Nasty frozen-rain crust

Was not pleasant, with a brittle crust maybe half an inch thick. The big overnight warming was expected but telemetry showed it never got above freezing at the top so I was a bit surprised. What were conditions like elsewhere?

It was indeed ugly.

The only mostly-non-crusty turns I found were in the trees between the lower runs. I thought that might translate into Breakover being skiable also, but the patroller I asked didn't seem to think it was even an option. :

Was not pleasant, with a brittle crust maybe half an inch thick. The big overnight warming was expected but telemetry showed it never got above freezing at the top so I was a bit surprised. What were conditions like elsewhere?

I was skiing boot top creamy powder and windbuff at Mission Ridge. There was a stiff layer from wind and warming on the lower mountain(Castle Face) but above midway it was another stellar day.

Crystal wasn't crusty, but it sure was cement!

Also heard that there was no such crust at Stevens, looks like it was quite localized. Thanks

Was not pleasant, with a brittle crust maybe half an inch thick.

Summit Snow-phone propaganda called this "Variable Conditions" and they lured a lot of people in by acting upbeat about it but never giving the actual info.

Took one lap, then bailed.  Swore the whole way home I'd NEVER check Snow-phone or conditions on their website again.