The Tahoe I Know

Later is better than never. At least that is how the winter season around lake tahoe is shaping up. The snow that fell on the mountains this weekend doubled the season total bringing the snow levels up to 80% of Tahoe's average snowfall. When we got to the mountain (Alpine) we could hear the booms of charges exploding above the parking lot and looked up to see an avalanche pouring down from the peaks above. Instantly, we knew it was going to be an epic day. Avalanche safety must have gotten up really early because the mountain opened up on time despite 2+ feet of snow falling the night before. 

Great view while hiking alpine bowl to the keyhole

There was so much snow and fresh tracks to be had you could get the goods anywhere on the mountain. After getting as many fresh tracks as we could in Alpine bowl we ventured to Scott chair, a slow lift near the backcountry. After a few runs in The Promise Land (actual name of the trail) we started eying the snow just past the signs for the ski boundary. The snow looked a little sketchy because it was built up from wind blowing it off a ridge but everything seemed stable so far that day. Little did we know the warm midday weather had weaken the snow and even though our friend Mike made some fresh lines when Elizabeth took her turns a large section released from under her. Luckily she stayed above above the snow and was funneled between a few trees and came to a reasonably safe stop in front of Mike. Needless to say we took more care during the rest of the day. 

Elizabeth taking it in

I also had a scary experience at squaw on Friday when some snow released from under me. It was not nearly as large but there were some rocks I did not want to take a ride down. Elizabeth and I have never had such a close encounter with avalanche conditions and will probably do some homework before next season. There were still plenty of fresh lines off Scott but when we headed to the other side of the mountain most of the far bowls were closed. It was clear from the avalanche crowns we traversed by the far bowls were not safe.

Slab was just under 2ft

Small black crater next to slide