Thursday, November 24, 2011
Photo of Thanksgiving Day, 2011
http://www.crystalmountainresort.com/gallery_cache/613/400_400/PowderBowlThanksgiving.jpg
2011/12 Season Begins Big
The 2011/12 opener at Crystal was November 18. Early storms began the previous week and a La Nina storm came in to allow an opening. It snowed for days to follow. Here are some reports from the website. I have yet to go.
91"INCHES so far this year.
The entire mountain is now open including Northway.
......We're going to be open tomorrow with 3+ FEET of new snow (notice we're not calling it powder) on mid & upper mountain! We're planning to run Chinook, Forest Queen, Discovery, Rainier Express, Green Valley & the Gondola (conditions & weather permitting). Tickets will be reduced to $50 on Wednesday. Ski/ride with a partner, it's DEEP & thick out there.
91"INCHES so far this year.
The entire mountain is now open including Northway.
......We're going to be open tomorrow with 3+ FEET of new snow (notice we're not calling it powder) on mid & upper mountain! We're planning to run Chinook, Forest Queen, Discovery, Rainier Express, Green Valley & the Gondola (conditions & weather permitting). Tickets will be reduced to $50 on Wednesday. Ski/ride with a partner, it's DEEP & thick out there.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May 4, It's still snowing up @ Crystal
Here is their report from the website.
I have not been for 2 weeks. I will try and go on Friday though. Awesome year, with a big , big slide below Niagras and in Bear Pits. I'll try and post more about it. Look at the total snow so far this year!
March & April brought over 16 feet of snow and we're still going strong! We are closed Mon-Wed, but we'll have 6 lifts open this Thurs-Sun! Join us for Cinco de Mayo. The Mt. Rainier Gondola will be open daily for sightseeing and dining at the Summit House beginning June 17. We plan to keep skiing on weekends into July! Purchase your 11/12 winter season pass and use it now for spring & summer skiing, sale ends May 31. All operations are weather and conditions permitting. 5/3/11 9:32 a.m.
LOCATION TEMP SNOWFALL WIND
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 37° F 2 in 4 in 4 in 4 in 157 in 575 in 16 mph
Base 36° F 2 in 2 in 2 in 2 in 106 in
I have not been for 2 weeks. I will try and go on Friday though. Awesome year, with a big , big slide below Niagras and in Bear Pits. I'll try and post more about it. Look at the total snow so far this year!
March & April brought over 16 feet of snow and we're still going strong! We are closed Mon-Wed, but we'll have 6 lifts open this Thurs-Sun! Join us for Cinco de Mayo. The Mt. Rainier Gondola will be open daily for sightseeing and dining at the Summit House beginning June 17. We plan to keep skiing on weekends into July! Purchase your 11/12 winter season pass and use it now for spring & summer skiing, sale ends May 31. All operations are weather and conditions permitting. 5/3/11 9:32 a.m.
LOCATION TEMP SNOWFALL WIND
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 37° F 2 in 4 in 4 in 4 in 157 in 575 in 16 mph
Base 36° F 2 in 2 in 2 in 2 in 106 in
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
March 19, It just keeps snowing.
Sally and Jeff Fiorini went on Thursday and had a great day. I was working after a week in Southern California. When these working days end, I'm going to spend my winters up high.
Magnificent conditions again today. OPSB has a big rugby match today @ 3 which I am involved in, so I didn't go. I know all who do will be happy they did.
This morning's report from Crystal Mountain:
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 14° F 8 in 8 in 11 in 12 in 148 in 434 in 1
Base 22° F 8 in 8 in 10 in 11 in 103 in
Here is a photo of a slide at Mt. Hood Meadows. Beyond belief, like the Sunami in Japan. HUGE slide.
http://www.blogcrystal.com/uploads/image/Bottom%20of%20Heather%20Chair.jpg
BLOG REPORT ON BACK COUNTRY ACTIVITY:
Recent Avalanche Activity
Posted on March 16, 2011 by kimkircher
Two days ago, my husband noticed three skiers leaving the base area at Crystal Mountain headed for the East Peak/Bullion Basin area. While the clouds had parted, revealing pristine peaks ringing our valley, the strong wind blew plumes of snow, adding to the huge cornices hovering over fragile slopes. Naturally, John glanced up at Ted’s Buttress, the large cross-loaded cornice that builds on the north side of East Peak and hangs over the lodges below C Lot.
It looked fat.
So he called Paul, the patrol director, to tell him about the three backcountry skiers he’d seen heading in that direction, skins on their skis, packs on their backs. And he wondered if they knew the avalanche hazard. It was obviously high that day.
By the time he got off the phone and turned back to look at the Buttress (which he can see from his office window) it had slid. Warming temperatures that day, combined with wind transport and recent snow loading created enough stress for the slope to avalanche naturally. From a higher location on Crystal Mountain, I could see the significant debris at the base of the buttress, covering old timber and getting dangerously close to the lodges. The crown, which extended several hundred yards across the slope and down the ridge, looked quite deep–at least six feet deep compared to nearby trees that were dwarfed by the large crown. No one has yet ventured up there as the avalanche hazard is still too high and the hang fire is still too dangerous. But I can tell you, it’s a significant event.
Last weekend, when we opened Southback at 3 p.m., evidence of recent avalanche activity extended from Joe’s Badass Shoulder all the way to Dog Leg. A jagged crown followed the contours of the ridge and dipped down into a face just below Chicken Head, which looked to be another large crown of approximately 6-8 feet.
A BIG slide near Mt. Baker Ski Area broke out on Shuksan arm two days ago, with early reports coming in that it was bigger than the slide in 1999. I was there for that one, searching for bodies with my avalanche rescue dog. Our probe poles, at ten feet, were simply not long enough to probe the thirty feet of debris that rested on the bodies, which wouldn’t be found until all the snow melted. Fortunately, no one was caught this time, even though the slide covered over hundreds of recent ski tracks. It was a very close call.
Today for the south-central backcountry areas near Crystal Mountain, the NWAC is forecasting Considerable Hazard above 5000 feet and Moderate below. The avalanche rose, shown here, depicts the hazard for specific elevations and aspects. Notice how between north and northeast aspects, the increased hazard extends lower–this is due to the south, southwest winds that have loaded these aspects.
Needless to say, be careful out there. Today the weather forecasters are calling for a brief break in the clouds this afternoon. Don’t let the sunny weather lull you into a false sense of security. Warming temperatures will increase the hazard today. So stay safe.
Magnificent conditions again today. OPSB has a big rugby match today @ 3 which I am involved in, so I didn't go. I know all who do will be happy they did.
This morning's report from Crystal Mountain:
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 14° F 8 in 8 in 11 in 12 in 148 in 434 in 1
Base 22° F 8 in 8 in 10 in 11 in 103 in
Here is a photo of a slide at Mt. Hood Meadows. Beyond belief, like the Sunami in Japan. HUGE slide.
http://www.blogcrystal.com/uploads/image/Bottom%20of%20Heather%20Chair.jpg
BLOG REPORT ON BACK COUNTRY ACTIVITY:
Recent Avalanche Activity
Posted on March 16, 2011 by kimkircher
Two days ago, my husband noticed three skiers leaving the base area at Crystal Mountain headed for the East Peak/Bullion Basin area. While the clouds had parted, revealing pristine peaks ringing our valley, the strong wind blew plumes of snow, adding to the huge cornices hovering over fragile slopes. Naturally, John glanced up at Ted’s Buttress, the large cross-loaded cornice that builds on the north side of East Peak and hangs over the lodges below C Lot.
It looked fat.
So he called Paul, the patrol director, to tell him about the three backcountry skiers he’d seen heading in that direction, skins on their skis, packs on their backs. And he wondered if they knew the avalanche hazard. It was obviously high that day.
By the time he got off the phone and turned back to look at the Buttress (which he can see from his office window) it had slid. Warming temperatures that day, combined with wind transport and recent snow loading created enough stress for the slope to avalanche naturally. From a higher location on Crystal Mountain, I could see the significant debris at the base of the buttress, covering old timber and getting dangerously close to the lodges. The crown, which extended several hundred yards across the slope and down the ridge, looked quite deep–at least six feet deep compared to nearby trees that were dwarfed by the large crown. No one has yet ventured up there as the avalanche hazard is still too high and the hang fire is still too dangerous. But I can tell you, it’s a significant event.
Last weekend, when we opened Southback at 3 p.m., evidence of recent avalanche activity extended from Joe’s Badass Shoulder all the way to Dog Leg. A jagged crown followed the contours of the ridge and dipped down into a face just below Chicken Head, which looked to be another large crown of approximately 6-8 feet.
A BIG slide near Mt. Baker Ski Area broke out on Shuksan arm two days ago, with early reports coming in that it was bigger than the slide in 1999. I was there for that one, searching for bodies with my avalanche rescue dog. Our probe poles, at ten feet, were simply not long enough to probe the thirty feet of debris that rested on the bodies, which wouldn’t be found until all the snow melted. Fortunately, no one was caught this time, even though the slide covered over hundreds of recent ski tracks. It was a very close call.
Today for the south-central backcountry areas near Crystal Mountain, the NWAC is forecasting Considerable Hazard above 5000 feet and Moderate below. The avalanche rose, shown here, depicts the hazard for specific elevations and aspects. Notice how between north and northeast aspects, the increased hazard extends lower–this is due to the south, southwest winds that have loaded these aspects.
Needless to say, be careful out there. Today the weather forecasters are calling for a brief break in the clouds this afternoon. Don’t let the sunny weather lull you into a false sense of security. Warming temperatures will increase the hazard today. So stay safe.
March 19, It just keeps snowing.
Recent Avalanche Activity
Posted on March 16, 2011 by kimkircher
Two days ago, my husband noticed three skiers leaving the base area at Crystal Mountain headed for the East Peak/Bullion Basin area. While the clouds had parted, revealing pristine peaks ringing our valley, the strong wind blew plumes of snow, adding to the huge cornices hovering over fragile slopes. Naturally, John glanced up at Ted’s Buttress, the large cross-loaded cornice that builds on the north side of East Peak and hangs over the lodges below C Lot.
It looked fat.
So he called Paul, the patrol director, to tell him about the three backcountry skiers he’d seen heading in that direction, skins on their skis, packs on their backs. And he wondered if they knew the avalanche hazard. It was obviously high that day.
By the time he got off the phone and turned back to look at the Buttress (which he can see from his office window) it had slid. Warming temperatures that day, combined with wind transport and recent snow loading created enough stress for the slope to avalanche naturally. From a higher location on Crystal Mountain, I could see the significant debris at the base of the buttress, covering old timber and getting dangerously close to the lodges. The crown, which extended several hundred yards across the slope and down the ridge, looked quite deep–at least six feet deep compared to nearby trees that were dwarfed by the large crown. No one has yet ventured up there as the avalanche hazard is still too high and the hang fire is still too dangerous. But I can tell you, it’s a significant event.
Last weekend, when we opened Southback at 3 p.m., evidence of recent avalanche activity extended from Joe’s Badass Shoulder all the way to Dog Leg. A jagged crown followed the contours of the ridge and dipped down into a face just below Chicken Head, which looked to be another large crown of approximately 6-8 feet.
A BIG slide near Mt. Baker Ski Area broke out on Shuksan arm two days ago, with early reports coming in that it was bigger than the slide in 1999. I was there for that one, searching for bodies with my avalanche rescue dog. Our probe poles, at ten feet, were simply not long enough to probe the thirty feet of debris that rested on the bodies, which wouldn’t be found until all the snow melted. Fortunately, no one was caught this time, even though the slide covered over hundreds of recent ski tracks. It was a very close call.
Today for the south-central backcountry areas near Crystal Mountain, the NWAC is forecasting Considerable Hazard above 5000 feet and Moderate below. The avalanche rose, shown here, depicts the hazard for specific elevations and aspects. Notice how between north and northeast aspects, the increased hazard extends lower–this is due to the south, southwest winds that have loaded these aspects.
Needless to say, be careful out there. Today the weather forecasters are calling for a brief break in the clouds this afternoon. Don’t let the sunny weather lull you into a false sense of security. Warming temperatures will increase the hazard today. So stay safe.
Posted on March 16, 2011 by kimkircher
Two days ago, my husband noticed three skiers leaving the base area at Crystal Mountain headed for the East Peak/Bullion Basin area. While the clouds had parted, revealing pristine peaks ringing our valley, the strong wind blew plumes of snow, adding to the huge cornices hovering over fragile slopes. Naturally, John glanced up at Ted’s Buttress, the large cross-loaded cornice that builds on the north side of East Peak and hangs over the lodges below C Lot.
It looked fat.
So he called Paul, the patrol director, to tell him about the three backcountry skiers he’d seen heading in that direction, skins on their skis, packs on their backs. And he wondered if they knew the avalanche hazard. It was obviously high that day.
By the time he got off the phone and turned back to look at the Buttress (which he can see from his office window) it had slid. Warming temperatures that day, combined with wind transport and recent snow loading created enough stress for the slope to avalanche naturally. From a higher location on Crystal Mountain, I could see the significant debris at the base of the buttress, covering old timber and getting dangerously close to the lodges. The crown, which extended several hundred yards across the slope and down the ridge, looked quite deep–at least six feet deep compared to nearby trees that were dwarfed by the large crown. No one has yet ventured up there as the avalanche hazard is still too high and the hang fire is still too dangerous. But I can tell you, it’s a significant event.
Last weekend, when we opened Southback at 3 p.m., evidence of recent avalanche activity extended from Joe’s Badass Shoulder all the way to Dog Leg. A jagged crown followed the contours of the ridge and dipped down into a face just below Chicken Head, which looked to be another large crown of approximately 6-8 feet.
A BIG slide near Mt. Baker Ski Area broke out on Shuksan arm two days ago, with early reports coming in that it was bigger than the slide in 1999. I was there for that one, searching for bodies with my avalanche rescue dog. Our probe poles, at ten feet, were simply not long enough to probe the thirty feet of debris that rested on the bodies, which wouldn’t be found until all the snow melted. Fortunately, no one was caught this time, even though the slide covered over hundreds of recent ski tracks. It was a very close call.
Today for the south-central backcountry areas near Crystal Mountain, the NWAC is forecasting Considerable Hazard above 5000 feet and Moderate below. The avalanche rose, shown here, depicts the hazard for specific elevations and aspects. Notice how between north and northeast aspects, the increased hazard extends lower–this is due to the south, southwest winds that have loaded these aspects.
Needless to say, be careful out there. Today the weather forecasters are calling for a brief break in the clouds this afternoon. Don’t let the sunny weather lull you into a false sense of security. Warming temperatures will increase the hazard today. So stay safe.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Crystal in it's prime.
http://vimeo.com/skicrystal/crystal-mountain-video-update-march-2-2011
72 inches since the storm started a week ago.
Jeff Fiorini and I went to Crystal Mountain on March 1, for what we both agree was about as good as it gets, snow wise. Visability wasn't perfect, but it was good enough and the runs down Exterminator, Right Angle, Employee Housing, Northway Bowls and every other place we went were excellent. Check out the video. We rode the gondola with the two snowboarders that are featured on this video.
72 inches since the storm started a week ago.
Jeff Fiorini and I went to Crystal Mountain on March 1, for what we both agree was about as good as it gets, snow wise. Visability wasn't perfect, but it was good enough and the runs down Exterminator, Right Angle, Employee Housing, Northway Bowls and every other place we went were excellent. Check out the video. We rode the gondola with the two snowboarders that are featured on this video.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Best day of 2011: Feb 23
Crystal Mountain. Over 20" in 3 days. Big snow last night and very cold, as cold as 12 at the top.
So Dan Ogborn, Ken Dayton and Stan Barnes and I all got together and got up there pretty early, and it was awesome.
Here is a video from the Crystal website. http://vimeo.com/20319012
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 5° F 6 in 8 in 18 in 29 in 110 in 311 in 10 mph
Base 13° F 3 in 6 in 11 in 18 in 78 in
it was just an awesome day.
So Dan Ogborn, Ken Dayton and Stan Barnes and I all got together and got up there pretty early, and it was awesome.
Here is a video from the Crystal website. http://vimeo.com/20319012
Overnight 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr Total Depth Season Total
Summit 5° F 6 in 8 in 18 in 29 in 110 in 311 in 10 mph
Base 13° F 3 in 6 in 11 in 18 in 78 in
it was just an awesome day.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sophia's first day of Skiing. January 17, 2011
Sophia Bruck came to Seattle to go skiing. She waited 4 days in the rain of Seattle as the mountains melted and the rain fell. We lost about 3 feet of snow as the rain pelted down. It was so disappointing , but we kept the faith and finally decided that on the 17th, we were going no matter what. Up we went, to Summit Central where we mounted her up and went away. 100 Cm skis, new boots, she was all set. The magic carpet worked perfectly, Sophia got on and went up and down with no problem. We had lunch, and then we went to the Chair lift. 2 trips up and down on the run with the terrain park at Central. She did very well.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Alpental in January: Good start.
January 8,2011 : Beautiful 14" and 27 degrees at the bottom.
The next day, the weather report was
17° F 4"new and 18" in 2 days. and 112" base.
Got to make one little run with Dave Bettis and Melissa after watching the first half of Seahawks v Saints.
The next day, the weather report was
17° F 4"new and 18" in 2 days. and 112" base.
Got to make one little run with Dave Bettis and Melissa after watching the first half of Seahawks v Saints.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Alpental, January 2
The month of December, 2010, will be remembered for good amounts of snow (100"+) and cold temperatures, followed by Bluebird days.As beautiful month as I can remember. Crystal installed the new Gondola on the 1st.
I only skied 3 times in December. Hoping for more the next 3, make that 4, months.
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