Beyond Tragic

It is not often that I write reports on consecutive days but what a difference one night can make.

Click here to see yesterday’s ‘Tragic' report.

The blue sky had returned this morning along with very strong to gale force winds. The snow report said 3mm of new snow. There was a dusting in the village and the air temps had returned to the COLD experienced prior to last week. I rushed out to inspect yesterday’s damage myself. Being the intrepid fair-weather skier that I am, I had to wait for the heavens to dry before getting out.

Initially there was only Snowgums, Gunbarrel, Merritts and Easy Does It chairs open due to the high winds (reportedly hitting 120kph). These high winds had a bright side. As I quickly found, the winds had gone to work in repairing, refilling and covering the damage done by yesterday’s 100mm of torrential rain.

The top of Bunny Walk was still closed but Merritts Falls was once again open for riding. The actual creek line below Black Sallees has been fenced off as it is still dangerous but above Black Sallees the raging river shown in yesterday’s report has frozen up. The scene looks like something from a fantasy movie where the waves themselves appear frozen in time.

If the winds continue for another 24 hours, I doubt there will be any evidence of yesterday’s flood. I believe Conrod Straight has been reclaimed by the resort and below the top of Bunny Walk all is fine.

The fresh snow has covered the bare grass and rocks and the wind has done its magic. Under the Bluff I found fresh dry snow up to 10cm deep interlaced with frozen moguls. The Supertrail was frozen corduroy concrete and the rest of the mountain was pretty well ungroomed. I was surprised that any grooming could be done on such a rain sodden base.

With Cruiser closed, Ski School took their classes to Snowgums. Luckily it was not a crowded day. Later in the morning Sponars, Antons, Ramshead and Basin opened. As I write this report, Kosi Express has just started up. I’ll bet there are some awesome drifts up higher.

Look how deep the base is on Cat Walk

Under the Bluff

Wind blown and frosty bumps

A very well preserved Sundowner – top and bottom

Q5 awaiting first tracks – Upper Bunny Walk with gushing sink holes

The quiet side of the mountain

Looking back up Plan A

The frozen remains of yesterday’s raging Merritts Creek

Ski Patrol fencing off Merritts Falls, almost refilled with dry powder snow

It is hard to believe what occurred yesterday

So, we go from ‘Tragic’ to almost as good as a week ago. Sure, the base has suffered but I was astounded to see how well the lower slopes with a good manmade cover had stood up to the onslaught. Sundowner was a treat.

Wonders never cease. The forecast is for more snow tomorrow. Long live the Spring skiing.

Grumpy Report: As relayed to me by a fellow passenger: How about the liftees breaking the ice on the frozen Snowgums chairs? Just a simply slam up and down. A little service goes a long way.