Weather
Today will be a beautiful spring day in the mountains. Under clear skies this morning, it is 25 degrees in Gold Basin. We will see plenty of sunshine and high temperatures in the upper 30s. WNW winds will remain light, and blow around 10 MPH. Tomorrow we can expect highs in the low 40s, with some high clouds moving in, and increasing SW winds. Warm, dry, and breezy weather prevails through the weekend with high pressure in control. Unsettled weather returns Monday with cooler temperatures and the potential for minor snowfall.
General Conditions
I was hunting for corn yesterday and traveled mainly on solar aspects. I found fun, soft turns on slopes that face W-SW-S. It’s not full-on corn, but a couple more melt-freeze cycles should get us there. In the meantime, we have really fun spring-like skiing on the sunny slopes. Northerly aspects are a mixed bag. Some soft turns can be found out there, but you will also encounter varying textures of wind-affected snow. Your best bet for fun riding is the sunny side of the compass. High temperatures are getting a little warmer each day, and backcountry travelers should watch for signs of wet activity. After all, it is April and you should always have wet avalanche activity on your mind this time of year. If the sunny slopes start to become wet and saturated, it's time to change aspects or head home.
Conditions on Mount Tukuhnikivatz or Tuk (pronounced touque). Many folks this time of year set their sites on this iconic mountain. If you are set on going up, be prepared for challenging conditions including firm snow, breakable crusts, and possibly some isolated, shallow, stiff wind slabs. Ski crampons will be helpful on the skin up, and carrying a tool for self arrest is recommended.
Snowpack and Weather Data
