After this latest winter storm, we now have 80″ at the Mansfield snow stake, and bottomless powder where the wind doesn’t blow… It was -9F at the Dewey trailhead this morning, with a windchill of -40F and what looked to be >20″ of new snow. The ski bum saying is: there are no friends on a powder day, but I also have another saying: there are also no friends on a freezing day, as it is not advisable to have to wait around when it’s that cold, so I decided on a quick solo mission to go check the conditions. Surprisingly, there were quite a few people out skiing at Dewey today; I saw about 10-12 other skiers.
Thankfully, the wind was blowing mostly in my back on the way up, and I was pretty well sheltered by trees. Otherwise, it would have made for a miserable outing. As it was, I was wishing for those heated panties as my butt got really cold on the way up. I may have to get creative to resolve the cold butt issue if this weather persists.
The snow was very light and fluffy in sheltered areas, but all of the northwest facing terrain, was starting to get a substantial wind slab – getting worse with the elevation – and steeper faces. Above 2200 ft, in the most exposed places, there was enough of a slab to completely support my weight without any sinking in. Granted I was using John’s fat powder skis, but it still was quite surprising how quickly the slab has formed this time around. It was still a fun outing, but a little tampered by the wind and the frigid conditions.
Should I grow up, or should I grow down?
The plan for tomorrow is to go to Dewey again with Nick who is eloping from his cubicle. We’ll take another look on some other aspects to see if any fluff remains…. The temps are still supposed to be quite cold, but the winds should abate a little, and this time, to fuel a few laps, I’ll be packing some “cretons” sandwiches – maybe that’ll keep my butt warm! (no, i will not be packing them in my pants rear pocket… or perhaps that’s a good idea????…)
Manon Belzile 