Schweitzer, 2017-18

[KarenD]

Up here at Schweitzer, we're at 210" for the season so far (average season total is 300"). There have been a couple of rain events (the one in November was especially depressing), so mid-mountain base is at 65". All terrain is open. There are a few spots where brush is still poking through, but those are easily avoided. Off season some brush cutting was done on a few runs and that's definitely made a difference. I especially appreciate the work done on the lower part of Kathy's Yard Sale, where I spent a good amount of time a few years ago working my way out of patch of alders.

We're in another storm cycle now and I'm keeping an anxious eye on tomorrow's high, which is predicted to be 31, so close to tipping over into rain.

 

[TeleChica]

We loved Schweitzer when we were there 3 years ago! Thanks for the report.

 

[marzNC]

Up here at Schweitzer, we're at 210" for the season so far (average season total is 300").

In general, is Feb usually a better bet than Jan? Or is it even better to wait until March? Been thinking about a ski safari starting with a flight on Southwest to Spokane for a while.

 

[KarenD]

In general, is Feb usually a better bet than Jan? Or is it even better to wait until March? Been thinking about a ski safari starting with a flight on Southwest to Spokane for a while.

In last few years, January has been more reliable. Last February was outstanding, but 2016 was nothing special. Sweet spot is probably late Jan/early Feb.

 

[newboots]

Meanwhile, pouring all day in Vermont. The Second January Thaw.

 

[KarenD]

We've had 32 inches in the last three days. I'm worn out. Taking today off because a) we have more snow in the forecast and b) it's Toyota Free Ski Day here which means big crowds by Schweitzer standards.

The first foot or so of the 32 was light but then it warmed up and we got a slightly heavier layer. Lots of avalanche control work done by patrol in the bowls. Snow has seen a fair bit of traffic but still stashes around the mountain, especially if you're into trees and glades.

 

[geargrrl]

I saw photos of the scarp from the avalanche release on the Lakeside Chutes/Australia area. That was significant!
https://www.facebook.com/Ski.Schwei...84106932280/10156284104542280/?type=3&theater

 

[geargrrl]

March can be surprisingly good, too.

 

[contesstant]

I always liked skiing Schweitzer as a newbie. I'd love to get back up there again one of these days. They are getting so much snow this year, unlike us in Utah!

 

[KarenD]

March can be surprisingly good, too.

True. And sometimes April even. Like last year, when they extended the season by a week and there was still plenty of snow on closing day.

 

[KarenD]

This latest storm cycle has passed; we're now at 263 inches for the season, with a 90 inch mid-mountain base.

That's the good news. The bad news is it's warm today, 40 degrees F in the village, though at least it's not raining. It's supposed to get colder again tomorrow so we shall see what that change brings.

 

[KarenD]

The conditions over the last week and a half have been ... let's just say variable. We've had some snow. We've had some rain. We've had some re-freezing. We've had bulletproof corduroy. We've had dust on crust. We've had flour, sugar, and corn snow. We've had days when it's been winter at the top of the mountain and spring at the lower elevations.

The good news is the base is holding up pretty well; 85 inches at mid-mountain. Season snowfall is up to 278.

 

[newboots]

We've had flour, sugar, and corn snow.

You can make spoon bread!

 

[KarenD]

It's been snowing again, hooray! 19 inches in the last three days, with another 10+ (!) in the forecast this weekend. Winds have been a bit of an issue, with no singles allowed on the quad to the summit for part of today, but the snow was so good I didn't mind the blowing.

 

[KarenD]

I decided to join DH on his Utah & Colorado trip, so missed about two weeks at Schweitzer, during which it snowed about three more feet. We had some rain mixed with snow last night, which made for some heavy/sticky conditions down low today, but still, I can't complain about 373 inches for the season and 106 inch mid-mountain base.

 

[KarenD]

Yesterday was a surprise powder day, with 7 inches of snow overnight when the forecast was for nothing of the sort. I'll take it, even though it was a bit on the heavy side due to the temps hovering around freezing. The season closing date had already been extended a week to April 15th, so this dump doesn't help there but will help keep more things covered longer.