Spring skiing
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Spring skiing
So what is the consensus on skiing steep lines without a freeze? The main concern is still wet slide activity correct? I mean people ski year round so there has to be a point where it's fairly safe again
"Because it's there."
Re: Spring skiing
If skies are clear overnight, above tree line, generally snow will refreeze regardless of air temperature.
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Dave B
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Re: Spring skiing
This.
Conversely, be wary of light freezes after cloudy nights.
Make wilderness less accessible.
Re: Spring skiing
Hmm well the last two days I skied in RMNP on longs north face and flattops north couloir. The latter was much lower in elevation and did not have more than a small freeze and still skied quite hard. Does not see much sunlight. Aspect, elevation, amount of sunlight / cloud cover all have a big impact on what you're skiing. All I've been seeing are south and east facing slopes sliding in the last few days.
Are we allowed to climb snow without a solid freeze because it's not as likely to create a wet slide or are all snow climbs / recreation off the table without a freeze?
"Because it's there."
Re: Spring skiing
All recreation in or below steep snow covered terrain without a good freeze is not recommended. Even if you don't trigger a wet slide (or get caught in one that naturally releases above you) it's not very fun climbing or skiing in such conditions and can be downright dangerous.
Good luck breeds bad habits.
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SchralpTheGnar
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Re: Spring skiing
The consensus is basically this for spring skiing steep lines.
I've followed this for years now solid freeze at tree line the night before, be off E aspects by 8-9am, S by 9-10am, West by 10-11pm, North by 11-Noon. First read that in the Dawson guide, been following that basic game plan for 21 years now.
As for skiing year round, there's definitely a point where the snowpack changes from spring to mature summer snowpack, where these rules don't necessarily apply, but I don't ski in those conditions so I can't comment.
I've followed this for years now solid freeze at tree line the night before, be off E aspects by 8-9am, S by 9-10am, West by 10-11pm, North by 11-Noon. First read that in the Dawson guide, been following that basic game plan for 21 years now.
As for skiing year round, there's definitely a point where the snowpack changes from spring to mature summer snowpack, where these rules don't necessarily apply, but I don't ski in those conditions so I can't comment.
