Update from the field

It has been a somewhat strange season thus far given the copious precipitation but lacking snowpack in many regions, thanks primarily to the significantly higher snow levels. Nonetheless, the last storm provided some of the highest snow quality that we see around here. The bulk of the energy went further south (which the southern Sierra REALLY needed, so you should be cool with that), but it did put us in a cold smoke snow regime!

Champagne Room at Magic City.

The most amazing part of the 23-24 December storm was how well the south faces filled in. Frequently, these aspects get scoured or cross-loading creates weird windslabs, leading to less-than-ideal ski conditions. Not this time!

Scotty Jones riding what should be a sweet corn run.

A few days later, northwest faces were still riding amazing. Thanks to the low sun angle, even this super fun little east facing steep chute was holding wintry snow late in the day.