Big Days at Squaw

The snow that fell last weekend also brought out some serious crowds. When we drove by the entrance to squaw the traffic was backed up past the entrance to the access road. We continued to Alpine where there was no traffic and probably more fresh lines available all day. Squaw always draws a large crowd on powder days with good reason. The extreme terrain that makes Squaw famous needs a lot of snow to make it skiable. As you can tell from this video the really good skiers at Squaw know every cliff, chute, and line they can take on the mountain.

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

I want some Silverado

While I can't wait for summer and windy conditions on the bay this weekend I can't wait to get the mountains and get back to Silverado. Snow was dumping the past 2 days and even though I didn't get today's fresh tracks I am sure there will be some left at gate 7 tomorrow (Friday).

Epic huck off a Silverado cliff

Pretty empty at Squaw, hopefully it stays that way

From: UnofficialNetworks

Good Day at Ho'okipa

Nothing beats a nice day on Maui. Can't wait to get my 78L Goya quad out in some waves in Waddell as well as make my first trip to Maui at the end of this summer. Keith Taboul really knows how to get vertical and spray 100 pounds of water off the lip.

Shane McConkey the Legend

Here is an awesome preview of the movie to honor a legend. Here is to pushing the limits and having fun doing it.

The Best of Both Worlds

Last weekend was epic whether you were trying to harness the wind on the bay or conquer the Sierra Mountains. A storm that dropped 6 feet of snow on the mountains led to epic clearing winds in San Francisco Bay. Elizabeth headed up to Lake Tahoe to enjoy the fresh snow while I stayed in the Bay to enjoy the breeze. Even though it took the crew heading to the mountains close to 10 hours to get there due to snow and hi-way closures the snow was worth the wait.

All of the new snow definitely made for some hair raising conditions!

Saturday I sailed a J105 out of St. Francis YC and consider it the first time I sailed in SF bay conditions. The experience was exactly as I imagined it: windsurfers & kiters bombing out of Crissy Field while tight packs of boats rounded a windward mark just before the Golden Gate Bridge all the while you could see the Oracle America's Cup boats practicing. I was able to get a quick session in at Crissy Field Saturday night and Sunday morning before heading to 3rd ave for a long afternoon session. Here is a video of what it was like at Fort Pt. in the afternoon. I was there in the morning and the wind was less consistent but the swell was pumping all day.

Video from Kevin of Sunset Sailboards SF

Snow & NFL Playoffs

Well I guess I spoke too soon when I said the seasons were changing. It appears winter has been very timid and only started to bless the mountains with snow this past week. Its hard to believe over a year ago I came out to Tahoe for a visit and they had 290" of snow by the first weekend in January. I guess all good things come to those who wait. While a large portions of the mountain terrain is still closed it was nice to lay some fresh tracks in the 4 feet of snow that fell over the weekend.

Sunday was nothing short of amazing. We could barely see through all the snow while we skied in the morning then we watched some football playoffs in the mid mountain lodge at squaw. During the pats game we could see snow poor down on the mountain and had to take some laps during half time.

Photo Courtesy of Squaw Valley @ FaceBook