Click on Thumbnail to view larger images. Click on Title for Image Index.
The sledge park at the Plateau Cafe remains full length.
Going up Ski Tow Gully on the Rannoch Button.
The problem - a sheet of high level cloud affected the area for a good chunk of the day, meaning the snowpack did not naturally soften on the upper mountain.
Empty Main Basin with space for some big turns on the groomed snow.
Main Basin narrowing into Island Rock Gully - really nice machine groomed snow.
The edge of the Main Basin showing how the high cloud sheet kept the upperl level snow hard.
Looking down Happy Valley just before the turn to the top tows.
Top leg of Mugs Alley, unfortunately only really for access as the snow runs out part way down Old Mugs Alley leaving a short hoof back to the Plateau Cafe.
Click on Thumbnail to view larger images. Click on Title for Image Index.
Displayed: Images 1 to 8 of 8
Report
Today had a weather problem, for all it was a bright day with little wind and some sunny periods, a sheet of high level cloud affected the area for a good chunk of the day. That meant it was both slightly cooler and less sunny than previously forecast, thus the snowpack on the upper mountain did not loosen up as had been hoped.
What was anticipated as a fun day of spring snow riding in the sun to get out and explore some areas of the upper mountain that don't get skied that often- thanks to the dominant SE winds earlier in the season, instead ended up being a day of sticking to the pisted lines on the Main Basin and Happy Valley.
For the last hour the skies cleared almost completely of the high level cloud and the sun came out to play, but by then much of the upper mountain was falling into shadow. The ridge of high pressure is now expected to drift a bit further East than was forecast 24 to 36 hours ago for Wednesday. so while the East should still have a fairly decent day, a weakening weather front is set to edge into the West bringing milder air and some drizzle.
The flip is that while the overhead wont be as nice, the snow beyond the pisting should be vastly nicer to ride on, loosening up to smooth granular spring snow in the milder and slightly damp air!
With action limited to the upper mountain and Mugs Alley and Cliffhanger just for access, conditions are only suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders, comfortable with the more challenging end of blue terrain and above.