Weather Update: Week of March 1

After last week's 1-2-3 storm punch, this coming week is going to seem very tranquil in comparison ...

On Monday, there will be a powerful storm lurking in the Gulf of Maine. This system will deliver modest snow amounts to the mountains of Maine, NH, Northern Vermont and (maybe) the Adks. Jay and Stowe could pick up a foot of powder from upslope.

Then on Wednesday a low will be develop off the SE Coast and move north. As of now, the low stays too far east to add to the snowpack in the mountains of the north country.

That said ... the steering winds are very weak, and there is potential for the low to move to the West.

After this week, we will start to transition into a spring pattern.

Plattekill, NY: 2/27/10

Ski Day 22: The plan was to ski Plattekill, with Jason and Jamesdeluxe, and to ski Gore, on Sunday and Monday. Work got in the way of Monday and ultimately Sunday too. I was daytripping the Catskills again.

If you think Belleayre is in the middle of nowhere... Ski Plattekill is 20 miles beyond that. The snow was incredibly deep in Delaware County. So deep that with the consistency of the snow, the trees were basically unskiable. Waist deep.

Platte is a part-time mountain - only open Friday thru Sunday. It has the most natural snow in the Cats (190" avg) - and they leave a lot of terrain ungroomed. Hey it's a vibe ... it's also a cheap way to run a mountain. We stuck to the sides of the "groomers" weaving in and out of the untracked and the huge soft bumps.

James on NorthFace

Jason on Freefall

Skiing was incredibly tiring. Off the groomers, it was basically impossible, at least on my boards. Snowboarders had the advantage - if you followed them in, you could keep moving.

UnHoly

We connected with PDQ's ski sister Amy, and her friends Brandy and Brian. Brian is a musician and lined up a performance in the Plattekill bar at 3pm. Amy and Brandy were there to make turns and lend support. Pretty cool twist on dawn patrol ... skiing the morning and giggin' the afternoon.

Amy on Lower

Cool mountain with a great laid back feel. And we definitely picked the right day. Tons of snow at the only mountain in the Catskills that didn't lose power on the biggest day of the year.

Ski Plattekill

Plattekill, NY: 2/27/10 (Video)

Plattekill Mountain Video: 2/27/11

Greek Peak, NY: 2/26/10

Posted by Powderqueen:

A foot and a half at home, and GP also reported 18 inches. When I drove down my unplowed driveway snow billowed over the hood and into the windshield. Subaru face shots in the driveway!!


Kelly Shreds

I was surprised to see a line up 15 minutes before opening. I got on the 5th chair. I thought yesterday was great, today was even better! The snow was light and powdery and DEEP!

I started out alone and skied top-to-bottom without stops, visiting all the ungroomed and untracked places. I ran into Marilyn on Chair 4, and we hit Chair 5 just as it opened. There was a lot of fresh snow on the trails and in the woods on the east side. I did 5 laps until Alsops and Arethusa were completely tracked out.

Snow Reports from Warren County

Gore Mountain phone call 10:30 am: Emily is out West, but her backup answered the phone. She indicated that 6 inches of snow fell before precip stopped overnight. I pushed on NCP. She'd spoken to the groomers and they made no mention of anything but snow overnight. Apparently it's wet at the bottom, because that was how it fell. She said she'd call it packed powder.

I told her she should post it up, people REALLY want to know what is up. She said she'd talk to patrol first, and then update the site.

* * *

From the Garnet Hill Website, 9:30 am: "Friday, Feb 26th - 38" of fresh snow. Trails are open as we are clearing down branches. We hope to commence grooming this afternoon after branches are cleared and the snow has time to dry."

* * *

Email, Emily, 9am: Spoke to Patrol. No mention of NCP.

* * *

Email, North River, 1200 feet, 8:30 am: Snowed til midnight then NCP all night after that.

* * *

Email, Ignera Hermit, 1100 feet, 7:00 am: "Reporting from my station - 1.06" ncp yesterday and .61" ncp all last night ending this morning."

Accuweather: Feb 25-26, 2010

I know I swore off Accuweather. Or at least I'm in a twelve step program. But this little map really tells the story. At least so far. And this is one I want to remember.

The Big One: Snowmageddon

by Jason

2/25 Update: Looking at yesterday's post, I was inclined to let it stand. But I all I have to do is look into my inbox to see how hungry eastern skiers are for information - so here's the update.

The current storm is currently behaving as predicted ... The r**n/snow line has set up north/south just west of the NY/MA/VT border. Areas to the west of the Hudson Valley should receive mostly snow.

This is good news for the Adk's and especially the Catskills. There have been reports from the various mountains about multiple switch backs between frozen and mixed precip. Interesting to note that the Igerna HermitCam and the Whiteface Cam are showing snow as of this posting (2pm).

All regions will go back to snow late tonight. This storm will stick around into Saturday. Final changeover times will have big impact on totals. Here's our call for additional snow through Friday:

Cats: 18 - 24 inches
Adks: 12 - 18 inches
Greens: 6 - 10 inches

I don't think I need to point out that this is a very wet snow ... certainly not Utah blower ...

Jamesdeluxe Interviews Belleayre's Joe Kelly

You may or may not know that Jamesdeluxe is actually a writer by trade. He's also a Belleayre regular and is very interested in the future of the hill.

Linked below is his interview with avid Belleayre supporter Joe Kelly, about the future of the mountain in the Catskills. Even if you've never skied Bell, it's a compelling look at an passionate group of Belleayre advocates that has worked hard to keep the mountain alive over the decades. It should be interesting for NY skiers to note the differences between Belleayre and the other two ski state-run mountains.

* * *

Highmount, NY - While the formation of a citizen's group to help save a local ski area in danger of closing isn't unheard-of, the longevity, enthusiasm, and organizational powers of the Coalition To Save Belleayre Mountain are.

Formed in the early 1980s when New York State threatened to shutter this government-owned and -operated ski operation in the western Catskills, the Coalition has, over more than a quarter century, served as a vigilant watchdog and public-relations advocate for an unspoiled, but economically struggling region.

Read the full piece on First Tracks!! Online.

Rochester Mark at Crested Butte

Rochester Mark slays Sunset Ridge
Photo by Kyle Hofsass

Gore Mountain Video

Jeff in the Straightbrook Trees

Jay Peak, VT: 2/21/10

Posted by Powderqueen:

The Jay Cloud

Wow, another day of great skiing, fresh snow and good friends at Jay Peak. Yesterday's ice fog laid down a crust to the base, but 4-6" of snow fell overnight. The new snow turned what would been marginal conditions, into a very nice surface, with fresh powder all over the mountain.

PDQ Jay Peak Video

Shot today at Jay Peak of Powderqueen:

Video Courtesy of Amy Peters

Jay Peak, VT: 2/20/10

Posted by Powderqueen:

Secret Stash

EDeO, Chuck, Amy, Kelly and I set out this morning to pillage the glades of Jay Peak. It was windy, so the Tram and the Green Mtn Freezer were on hold in the morning. We took the Metro over to the Bonnie and started our skiing from Stateside where the sun broke through the clouds while it continued to snow.

Mega-Storm Potential

Jason's a real weatherguy. He's GOT to go by the rules. Multiple model runs, different models, credibility. Blah, blah, blah. I'm just a stoke meister. I poked my way into the GFS. If you follow it out, it shows multiple events on the horizon. Image above is from late next week. BRING IT.

Jason will be out with some LEGIT analysis Sunday pm.

4 Day Storm ... Starting Tuesday ... Maybe

From the Harvey Road Weatherdesk:

Next week's system is the most complicated of the season. 2 lows, with a lot of reforming. A 500mb low. Very difficult to forecast.

The thing we like about it ... ALL the models cut-off the low in New England. This could be a long duration event.

More as this scenario unfolds.

Gunstock Mtn, NH: 2/17/10

by Jason

Between my real job and being chained to the NY Ski Blog Weatherdesk, I haven't had much flexibility this year. I've had weekends with my girls in the Catskills, but haven't really scored any powder yet this season. That was about to change.

I'd been watching yesterday's storm since the end of last week, and at first, it looked like the brunt of it would hit Vermont. Yesterday, it shifted east and put northern New Hampshire in the bullseye. Last night, after 7 hours of white-knuckle driving through the storm, I pulled over for the night in Concord, NH.

The Hudson Trail (Circa 1952)

Old Gore Ski Area

Photo and text courtesy Peter Bishop

"Taken in the early 50s by my father LeRoy Bishop. He was the photographer of the family. Skier in the photo was his brother, my uncle Roderick Bishop. Rod was the younger and the better skier.

I always liked that top section of the Hudson trail.

I started skiing on the rope tows at the bottom of Old Gore when I was 8 years old, in 1956. Our family went skiing every Sunday all winter in fair or foul weather. We had a whole group of families from Glens Falls that skied there all the time."

Neve on the Hill

On New Years Eve 2009, Neve Fox strode confidently out onto the hill for the first time. Led by her instructor, and her mom Carolyn, she made her way up the Bear Cub slope.



BJ, Gore Mountain instructor extraordinaire, explained the basics of stance, high-five, snow angels and all the other skills crucial to becoming a top-flight skier.



Over the course of the next month, teacher and student worked together tirelessly, to develop Neve's technique, style and enthusiasm.



By mid-January she was riding the Bear Cub Poma all by herself.



In February, she started linking turns, on her own, without any contact with her instructor. Dad took to lurking in the trees to capture these spy photos without creating any distraction.



As you might expect, Mom and Dad are extremely proud and excited. We send all of our gratitude the Gore Mtn Ski School, and especially BJ, for nurturing Neve's love of winter sports.

Gore Mountain, NY: 2/15/10

Ski Day 21

Today was getaway day, but I really felt like we accomplished a lot. First, by staying over last night, I was able to squeeze every last drop of excitement out of yesterday's romp. Second, it was another day of lessons for Neve. And third, it gave me my first chance to ski with Team Zach.



In my mind, families like the Zacharas make Gore great. Zach, his wife Annie, Nick, Izzy and Sophie spend the winter skiing with brother James and his kids CJ and Madelyn. The whole clan is committed to skiing, to Gore and North Creek.

Zach's been featured on Harvey Road before. He's usually a blur in the distance in my shots. He wants to rip and has zero patience for pictures. By the time I've got my mittens off, he's gone. Today however, I learned that when he's with his extended family, he waits, and I finally got him in the frame.



Over the weekend, the family had been off at Song Mtn, skiing lake effect blower, while Nick (14) was participating in a J3 level race. Today, when we got to the top of the Straightbrook Chair, Sophie (8) was insistent. "I want to ski Rumor!" After all the Rumor laps I did this weekend, I could get over there blindfolded. Hawkeye, to the Catwalk, to those big soft bumps.

Zach pushes you. It's not verbal. Or even intentional, really. He just skis the absolute best snow, no matter where it lies. And you WANT to follow.

Gore Mountain, NY: 2/14/10

Ski Day 20

Yesterday was really quite good. I couldn't help think that that today, would be a lesser version of yesterday. Soft snow on Rumor and Open Pit, but no new snowmaking. Lower Steilhang to open.



It couldn't be farther from the truth. I know it sounds crazy, but the dusting we got last night and the constant flurries today really seemed to make the difference. Or maybe it was something else. Running into EDeO certainly didn't hurt.

Weather Discussion for Feb 16

Finally some good weather news for the Northeast. A strong 500mb low, similar to last weeks system, is dropping down from Central Canada. This will spawn a weak low just south of NYC.

Unlike last weeks storm which blew up off the NJ Coast and moved east. This one meanders due north to around Southern Vermont / New Hampshire area.

For the Catskills and Adks ... I think we are looking at 4-6 inches.

It should produce some moderate snow fall for the Greens and Whites. Then set up a nice northerly flow that will produce more orographic snows to the Northern Greens. The Greens should pick up about 50% more do to a persistent northerly flow. Stay tuned.

Gore Mountain, NY: 2/13/10

Ski Day 19


Signs from the mountain seemed to indicate that they intend to hammer the summit during President's Week, the traditional end of Gore's snowmaking season.

Rumor was going from the headwall down. Open Pit and Lower Steilhang were being blasted top-to-bottom. I'll chase the softest snow all day, until I drop. And I did that today.


TelePatrol on OpenPit

My first trip up, the catwalk over to Rumor from Hawkeye was roped, so I went after Open Pit. I'da been first down if I didn't pull up to snap a pic. I'm shutter challenged, so it seems the only way I can get a skier in the frame, is if he sneaks up on me.

Jmokes in Wyoming

Jmokes, Gore passholder and all-around mad-dog, spent last week skiing Wyoming. He sent these pics and the note below:


Jmokes, Colter's Run, Targhee.


Dave, The Hogbacks, Jackson Hole.


Mikey, OOB, Jackson Hole.

"We did so much hiking and OOB skiing, chasing Marvin, our guide. It was tough to know where we were all of the time, especially on Saturday. All I can tell you about the last pic ... it was a 30 minute hike, somewhere off the Rock Springs Bowl."

Mont Orford, QC: 2/10/10

Posted by Jamesdeluxe:



For the final stop on my Eastern Townships tour, we skied Mont Orford, just outside beautiful Magog. Orford's conditions, terrain, and layout remind many people of Whiteface.



I've skied there in knee-deep powder and in hideous wind and ice... it's all in the timing. Yesterday was nearly perfect... almost spring-like with comfortable temperatures, sun, and lack of wind.



The groomers were soft and the off-piste/glades were skiing beautifully -- some rocks to avoid on a few steep chutes, but nothing serious. More here on FTO.

Harvey Road South

"I'm speechless."

Gore Mountain Super G

Nick Z Attacking the Gates (NYSEF J3)

Photo Courtesy of Konrad Weeber.

Owl's Head, QC: 2/9/10

Posted by Jamesdeluxe:



Owl's Head was in beautiful shape after yesterday's surprise nine inches, and on a bluebird day, it's a great choice to let it rip on a bunch of nicely pitched high-speed groomers.

Sitting right alongside 24-mile-long Lake Memphrémagog, the views are stellar -- it feels very similar to New York's Finger Lakes region, but with mountains. From the "Lilly's Leap" trail, you can look south toward Newport, VT or north to Magog, Quebec with Mont Orford in the distance.



Owl's Head doesn't get much visibility in internet land, but it's a fun hill, especially on a day with storm leftovers and clear skies. Extended TR on First Tracks!! Online.

Jason's Snowfall Predictions

• Catskills : 4"- 8"
• Gore / Southern ADKS : 4"- 6"
• Killington /Central VT : 3"- 5"
• Northern ADKS : 3"- 5"

Mont Sutton, QC: 2/8/10

Posted by Jamesdeluxe:



After two days of skiing sloppy seconds at Jay and Smugglers Notch, I finally hit paydirt just north of the border at Sutton, Quebec. A small weather event that was supposed to provide a couple of inches ended up dumping what seemed closer to a foot.

Sutton has an eccentric but well thought out network of glade skiing that's truly unique -- and everyone else in my group agreed.



That felt good... my first East Coast powder day of this season. Better late than never. Extended TR on First Tracks!! Online.

Jason's Weather: 2/8/10

Monday Feb 8 4:30 PM: A very intense and dynamic system will impact the Northern Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England states ...starting Tuesday night into Wednesday evening.

The latest data (18z) has a 975 low lurking off the NJ shore. The precip from this low should extend as far north as the Catskills and Berkshires. If the system is a little further north and west then Southern Vermont will also receive some snow. With a system this powerful any thing can happen. Stay tuned for updates.

Smugglers Notch, VT: 2/7/10

Posted by Jamesdeluxe:


Hopkins Bridge

While it's all about families at Smuggs (almost suffocating at times, and I'm a parent), the terrain really impressed me. It's a good-sized mountain -- a legitimate 2,600 vert covered by old-school EC terrain with lots of character, some steep shots, and skiable trees everywhere.


Harvey's Hideaway

Smuggs reminds me of a bigger version of Magic Mountain, including the outdated infrastructure: vintage double chairs and an undersized, out-of-date lodge at the bottom of the main hill. I can deal with slow lifts, but I'm kind of puzzled by how they've managed to avoid updating the uphill capacity while courting a demographic that insists on a certain level of amenities.


Moonshine Glades

Conditions were similar to Jay on Saturday: the trees were soft and the on-piste trails were very crunchy (once again, the r**n from two weeks ago did a huge amount of damage). I'd love to go back there when the snow is in better shape.

Jay Peak, VT: 2/6/10

Posted by Jamesdeluxe:


Milk Run

I’m in northern VT for the weekend on my way to several days in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Left my office in northern NJ at 6 pm last night. Stopped to send some e-mails at the best highway rest stop in all of North America: the one on northbound I-81 in Guilford VT, just before Brattleboro.

By 11 pm, while driving past White River Junction, I was falling asleep at the wheel … so I pulled off, drove into a church parking lot, cranked the seat back and fell asleep. Woke up at 3 am, and I’m pretty sure that it was near zero outside, and not much warmer inside the car. In my 20s, I used to do the sleep-in-the-car routine occasionally, but I’m getting too old for this crap. It’ll take me two spa treatments for my neck and back to recover.


Stateside

A tale of two ski areas today: extremely soft, dry snow in the woods, connected by scratchy boilerplate (left from the rain 12 days ago) on the groomers and mogul trails. While a certain pessimistic Harvey Roader who shall remain nameless (Jason) was calling BS on Jay’s report of 20 inches since Monday, I can tell you that the snow in the woods certainly looked and felt like it.

But that wasn’t the whole story: there is still icy styrofoam wherever people have skied a lot (both on-piste and off), so you had to step daintily in places. TR from First Tracks!! here.

Hopewell, NJ: 2/6/10

Ski Day 18



I was laying in bed this morning, thinking that the whole Harvey Road staff, except me, was out rockin' the hills. Jamesdeluxe at Jay Peak. Jeff up at Gore. Jason at Belleayre. And of course PDQ out in Utah, roaming the Wasatch. While it DUMPED here - 15 inches overnight - all my gear was in the Adirondacks at HRHQ.

Or was it? I've got an totally beat pair of XCDGTs, some incredibly long Leki poles, and a pair of ancient Merrill Doubles, I once used on a hut trip in Colorado.

Conditions were powder, with a base of asphalt and frozen suburbia. Down the road, across Main Street, over into the green space that surrounds town. Hopewell is actually pretty cool. It's got a circle of permanently preserved land all around it, which is a rarity in downtown NJ.

Through the field, over the bridge, and into the trees.



I ended up at a kid's version of Doctor Zhivago's Winter Palace.



Not a bad way to spend a couple hours. Still ... I'm anxiously awaiting the good stuff that should start coming in from the troops, in a few hours. Stay tuned.