The Hissing of Winter Lawns

Unlike the 6 days of snow showers promised last week we have had cold, clear nights and mostly sunny days. In fact, last night was cold enough and dry enough for me to awake to the sound of snow guns. I was first aware of them around 3am and they went off at 7:30am.

Friday Flat seemed to be the main target and it looked good until late morning when the sun did its bit to melt the thinner sections. No doubt we can expect a lot more in the coming 2 weeks.

Last evening, Marion and I discussed a possible ski today and although the winds were up and the wind chill was way down we decided to give it a go anyway. The air temp soon rose above zero and the wind wasn't bad enough to make us turn back. Our extra layers were off quickly.

The snow had melted a little since our ski last week but had also firmed up a lot. Firm enough that we did not deploy our skins and firm enough to be somewhat icy on steeper faces. We did find some wind blown (1cm) on some drifts and this made for enjoyable turns.

There are still places where you could break through the snow but not with skis on. I felt tired from the climbing but I did notice my joints loosening up, making for easier and more controlled turns.

First test of the snow guns to clean out the bugs and spider webs

Looking past the natural snow from Eagle Way
to the man made snow way below on Friday Flat

The sun is low in the sky making many photographs close to silhouettes

Marion avoids the hole

Up above Summer Drift

There was a thin layer of wind blown powder on some drifts

Tracks back to the bridge

Photo of Sig Hill from the bridge
Note the cornice building mid shot

 

 

There are again forecasts of possible snow showers later next week. Based upon recent forecasts I wouldn't hold my breath. However, cold, clear nights will result in more snow making so it's a no-lose situation.
Luckily we did not get the downpour than much of eastern NSW experienced last week.

Just 13 sleeps to the official start of the ski season. I expect I might just get a few more skis in beforehand and exercise (puff, puff) at the same time ;-)

Hopefully Kosi chair will reopen for next weekend.

Speaking of the sun being low in the ski; I'm just finishing off this report and the sun has left the village at 3:30pm. The shortest day of the year is less than a month away.