Alpine Meadows, CA Report: Stormy Start Then the Sun Arrived After 26″ of Snow in 3 days

Galen Carrico | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Fresh turns and face shots. Image: Galen Carrico

Brought to you by Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Report from February 13, 2021

The morning started off in the tail end of the most recent storm and then the Sun came out, allowing Ski Patrol to open more terrain.

The storm finished cold with snow levels down below lake level so the quality was much better than Friday.

The snow was deep and dense underneath so every landing brought confidence. Image: Galen Carrico

Open terrain was limited first thing in the morning and everyone lined up at Roundhouse and Treeline Cirque (TLC). 

Snowboarder drops a cliff below Treeline Cirque. Image: Galen Carrico
The snow was deep and great for sending. Image: Galen Carrico

Sherwood opened right as I got to the top of TLC and I took an untracked ride under the lift line in low visibility.

As everyone started to line up at Sherwood and with the visibility still an issue, I made the way to Our Father on the next run. 

Looking back at an unreal run. Image: Galen Carrico

Only a few skiers put tracks in before I got there so it was deep and bottomless…easily one of the best inbounds runs of the season for me.

Bombs were going off all morning, echoing along the canyon walls. 

Everyone had their eyes on Summit and Scott Chair but the upper peaks were still socked in.

The snow tapered off and the sun came out around midday. Image: Galen Carrico

Then the snow started to taper off, the Sun came out and Summit opened a little before noon. 

Scott Chair opened around 12:30 pm and there were untracked lines for everyone. 

Scott Peak was covered in gorgeous tracks and instead of the sound of explosions, you heard the echo of everyone cheering while riding their dream lines.

Scott Peak covered in powder turns and my line to the car. Image: Galen Carrico

I opted for a run down Promised Land for another best run of the year… one that will be etched in my mind for a long time.

More than 220″ of snow have fallen at Alpine Meadows so lines are finally filled in that were not skiable at the beginning of January. 

Word has it there is more snow on the way…

Snow Numbers:

Credit: Squaw Valley/ Alpine Meadows.

Forecast:

Credit: Squaw Valley/ Alpine Meadows.
Credit: NOAA.gov

 

 

 

Posted by Galen Carrico |

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