Worst Ski Season Ever?

I simply include all of the typical information I normally give except that which would allow someone to localize the place exactly.

<br><br>This works for me, too. I often try to report in such a way that those who already know the place can figure out where I've been, while those who don't can still use the stability and access information.<br><br>

It seems to me that a good case could be made for the argument that people who use the information posted here have an obligation to contribute information as well, when they have such information.

<br><br>I agree. Strangely enough, several of us were discussing this phenomenon just the other day. Not only do I believe that those who take have an obligation to also provide for others, but I feel that the act of giving to a community (which is what we are here) is beneficial to the giver as well. <br><br>

 Really, when yout hink about it, there really isn't too much you could add in a Trip Report that the wonderful telemetry sites already don't say.  The numbers don't lie.

<br><br>Actually, I often find that the numbers lie...or at best, obfuscate. Even when the telemetry sites are in perfect operating condition (a big "if"), what they report is often quite localized: c.f., our recent discussion of wildly disparate temperature readings depending the varying heights of temperature guages off the ground. As well, some sites don't provide for wind speed or direction, which alone can have a lot to do with where I choose to tour on a given day. <br><br>I've learned about lots of good route possibilities reading first Brent's board, then Charles'. I've tried to share ideas commensurately. For the most part, I think fears of the crowds which will materialize once we post trip reports are greatly exaggerated. Again, last weekend we skied lots of plush, untrammeled powder on one of Burdorfer's routes, and on the return I looked across the valley at another, which appeared entirely free of tracks....three weeks after our last snowfall. We've all got our favorite, convenient stashes, but even in the depths of an atrocious snow year, the available terrain is effectively limitless.<br><br>One addendum to my constant harping on how nice the skiing's been recently: I do recognize that there are important differences between a lover of the alpine like myself and those who like to tootle along amongst the giant old trees, where snowpack is indeed depressingly limited this winter. <br><br>enjoy,<br><br>Mark

And, sorry Jerm.  no more east coast bashing.  My only point with that is, east coasters have a little different perspective on mountains, snow and skiing than people who have lived out here all their lives.

<br><br>Exactly. For many who grew up here, the glass seems half empty. If you grew up elsewhere, the glass may seem half full.

On more than one occasion (ok, really like every time I click into my skis, three pins or snowboard) I'm surprised at how much better the snow is than the #'s on the telemetry say.  But then I re-look at the numbers and think about it...'so at the parking lot at 3,000 the temp was 36 and precip was .5 inches when I arrived, yet at 5,000 the temp remained at 31.  Get to the parking lot and raining pretty bad and expect horrible conditions, only to find damp powder turning to thick powder - glad I brought the snowboard- to nice turns at top, look again and see it was 31 at 3,000 for .25 of the precip at 3,000 so the carpet of powder I should have seen really was there in the numbers...'...I realize the nuances of the numbers that could be read into them if you know the location at the telemetry site, the slope angle, altitude, etc, and if you have been at those places enough than you can get a pretty good read of Baker, Stevens, Blewet and Snoqualmie without leaving your house (the places I watch religiously). <br> <br>Mark, you're absolutely right, the numbers "mislead" me more often than not.  Most of the time because of my own pre-dispositions.  I'm no expert, that's for sure, and I've a lifetime of learning about snow around here.  What's been engraved in my head about PNW snow is that it is thick and heavy.  Truths are emerging that it's just "untracked".  I love the amount of skiing here; a person could spend lifetime learning about it.  <br> <br>So, when I read in a trip report: "snow was better than I expected", well, that happens to me all the time!  That's what I mean by TR's confirm what's already in the numbers!  (not to mention when the Baker site says 20" and everywhere else in the state is a big fat goose-egg.  It's no wonder Baker has had a windfall of skiing this year - that's certainly where the goods have been plentiful)   <br> <br>Edited to add: to further elaborate my "it's in the numbers" - The Telemetry sites are just one data point in a series of weather forecast tools I use: 1) WSDOT for current conditions at pass level and (wonder of technology - a picture of conditions!), snowfall predictions and whether I need to put it into 4WD on the way up; 2) The good ol' weather channel for radar loops on Alaska gulf and Pacific and close ups of Washington state 3) The State mtn forecast which gives wind direction, an honest discussion of current future and past conditions, and is down right funny sometimes (anyone catch the "never-never land" comment on storms forecasted for PNW?") and of course 4) telemetry sites.   <br> <br>I should reference all my statements on the Web 'cause of all the smart people on this site who can break down an argument so well! <br> <br>If you've come this far, read a little more: can't help but comment on East Coast - World Class skiing in Appl. chain, don't let anyone tell you different. NH, ME, VT, NH, etc and I'm sure even Virginia when the snow is right.  It's where I learned to love BC skiing (in the Powder of Vermont and the Steeps of NH if you want to know).  But, the elevation is the killer there; it's just too low and rain too often in a bad year.  <br> <br>And that's 'Hunta', Alan, which was a four hour drive for me when I was a teenager.  Ah, memories.<br>

<br><br>Exactly. For many who grew up here, the glass seems half empty. If you grew up elsewhere, the glass may seem half full.

<br><br>I think that one thing that we all share regardless of where we grew up is a sense that the mountains here are quite special.

Well, after hearing all opinions and weighing the data, I have reached the conclusion that indeed, barring an unlikely late season dump, this is the worst ski season ever.<br><br>We may be able to make some exceptions for those that grew up skiing in the east coast, or those who have sat out substantial portions of a really good season due to injury.<br><br>Thanks for playing. 9 months to go til the cold smoke....

Hey, the earliest spring skiing season ever!! <br><br>(... and most likely the shortest. &gt; &gt; )