0430 temp. at 6350′ in Carnelian Bay: 32.0 deg.

< 1″ of slush accumulated

0530 temp. at 8650′ Tamarack TH: 25 deg.

New snow in Tamarack Peak backcountry: est. 6-8″

Backcountry Obs.

Yesterday’s mix of rain and snow at lake level never transitioned back entirely to snow. This morning a juicy, barely frozen slush coated everything. Driving up Mt. Rose Highway, accumulated snow began around 6800′ and increased with elevation. Heavily-rimed trees suggested a very moist storm overnight. Light snow fell through the morning until 0900.

The dense and heavily wind-drifted nature of the new snow made estimating the new snow amounts difficult: approx. 6-8″? I put in the new skin track through a fresh layer of thick Sierra cement, heavily wind affected into drifts and drummy pillows even in flat open areas. Moderate winds continued to blow from the WSW transporting fresh snow onto N and E aspects. Windward aspects and any snow surface exposed to the winds had a slight rime crust. Sheltered and treed areas were soft and creamy mashed potatoes. The snow did suggest a density change about 4″ from the surface as my skis punched through to the tops of my boots.

The skiing today wasn’t exceptional and the mountains felt precariously warm. Despite that, sheltered areas of fresh snow still offered soft, buttery turns that at speed, didn’t require too much effort. Gullies and boulders are fattening up and softening their lines making for super playful features on which to rip big arching turns. The more speed, the better today.

Hopefully the air mass will cool and dry out this evening to help lighten and dry the first few inches of fresh snow to keep cold softish conditions going.

Forecast and weather thoughts:

Tonight skies will clear with temps cooling to well below freezing in the mountains and at lake level. Expect freezing fog in depressions and valleys too. Tomorrow temps will begin climbing to near and just above average (low-mid 40’s around the lake) with clear skies. The warmth looks to continue at least through the work week.

The next potential storm comes in Tues./Weds., bringing rain and snow. Models show snow levels high throughout the event between 7000′-8000′. Another cement event for the highest backcountry zones. Hopefully the system adds to the base and coverage in areas near and below 8000′. Temps during the day around 6000′ should get into the low 40’s with lows in the low to mid 30’s at night.

After the storm, transient high pressure will clear things out, but keep mild temps. around through the end of the work week. There are signals for a more active pattern starting back around next weekend, but it doesn’t look like any significant cold air will come in with it. Ensembles show a strong zonal jet stream developing with a conspicuous angle towards Hawaii. That usually signals a solid moisture plume, but warm air. Our area may be playing the rain/snow game for a bit.

For now, time to enjoy the soft, creamy turns of classic Sierra mashed potatoes.