Conditions Report
We were all wondering if the reports from Squaw could be true, with rampant rumors of 5+ feet of snow for the upper mountain after this past storm. After closing on Sunday due to heavy rainfall, the doubts were even greater but today we were able to get into the upper mountain and we certainly received every bit of the 5+ feet. Shirley Chutes were almost buried, no more bushes sticking out, and huge slide paths were everywhere.
The most remarkable part of getting up to the upper mountain was the startling number of slides, both natural and Patrol triggered. North Bowl, all of Siberia Ridge, under the Palisades, the Funnel, West Face…nearly every steep aspect ripped out, many of the slides ripping to the ground. If you are thinking about heading into the backcountry, be sure to be heads up and exercise safe travel techniques…things are going to remain variable out there for the next few days.
This storm served as the perfect base builder (minus all the slides and the fact that it is mid February). The wet pasty snow has covered all the rocks up top, and with the amount of moisture in the snow, it won’t be disappearing any time soon. Squaw has Siberia and Solitude (for the first time of the season) on the schedule for tomorrow, so the fun is looking to continue.
Super Photo Tour of Squaw after 5+ Feet:
5-ft snow in california = ankle deep
6-in snow in canada = knee deep
Love how that works!!
Gawd, everything I’d like to ski has slid.
Good reading. Thanks for the report.