Richard's Report - Sunday, 21 September 2003 4:50:34 PM

Typical Aussie Spring Conditions

Following the big dump of snow that resulted in deep snow Sunday through Tuesday, Wednesday to Friday brought rain followed by warm winds over the weekend.

The snow pack has suffered from the week’s weather and although I can see where up to a metre of snow has disappeared between Tuesday morning and this afternoon, the snow pack up high is the deepest I have seen in years. Karels, Basin and Central Spur are in great condition whilst the village has lost all but the very last of its snow.

Tower 10 on Ramshead is near impassable either above or below and the bottom of the Super Trail is thinning.

The upcoming forecast of warm winds could spell the death knell for top to bottom skiing within the week but we have had so many surprises this year that we may see enough cold nights and further snowfalls to keep the bottom open for weeks yet.

The main range is looking great and I enjoyed a very pleasant run to Dead Horse Gap yesterday on soft untracked snow.

Leaving the Keller at 2:30am (the last night for the season) to clear starlight skies I was very surprised to awake this morning at 7:00am to the sight and sound of rain falling against my window. Consequently I rolled over and went back to sleep for another 2 ½ hours. At 9:30am the rains had gone and the sun was shining.

With the winds closing Kosi Express and the lifts above fairly early in the morning I spent most of my day skiing on untracked snow around Central Spur. The snow was ‘slow’ but not too sticky to take away the enjoyment of untracked snow on totally uncrowded slopes. It appears most people fled the village first thing this morning when they saw the rain. Many other potential snow riders never got out due to the Keller Beach Party.

Snow above the wind break at the top of Crackenback
Snow above the wind break at the top of Crackenback

Paul enjoying the soft base at Karels on Saturday
Paul enjoying the soft base at Karels on Saturday

John arriving atop of Wazza’a favourite
John arriving atop of Wazza’a favourite

Wazza’s favourite knoll after our descent
Wazza’s favourite knoll after our descent

Ian on his way to Dead Horse Gap
Ian on his way to Dead Horse Gap

Central Spur on Sunday afternoon
Central Spur on Sunday afternoon

Great snow pack above Gunbarrel top station
Great snow pack above Gunbarrel top station

As mentioned above the weather forecast does not look too good in regards to the potential damage that may occur to the snow pack this week, especially down low. But don't despair as up top the snow is great. Many locals are out in shorts and T-shirts but hey, that’s Spring.

Disclaimer: 
The views and opinions expressed on this page are my own personal observations and in no way represent the views or opinions of the resort or any other person.

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