Late winter storm a bonus for skiers and riders

April continues to fool the senses. April 7th, winter weather advisory? Spring planting time (though inside in our community, its confounding)? Migrating birds, any uncovered wetlands in south central? I have seen gulls at Potter’s Marsh, sitting determinedly on the snow covered grass. It will melt, eventually. At least Turnagain Arm has extremely low ice coverage this year. Our winged friends can hunt for bi-valves in the mudflats. 

I am sure skiing and riding has been at premium conditions since this winter storm began on Saturday. A few rounds of howitzer let Girdwood know the snow safety team is making sure the conditions are optimal for the last few weeks of human powered snow fun at Alyeska Resort. If you can ditch work this week, I highly recommend the effort!

What is it like in the morning, before the crowds of skiers?

Everyone who lives in Girdwood knows it exists for a reason–skiing (present day). Those who work at the Resort are here to serve that purpose. Sometimes there are wonderful days when all the guests are nice, happy to be here, and loving the outdoors. Sometimes, unfortunately many times, the guests are whiney, ask for more than their share, rude, dangerous, and demanding. Because of those guests, I  myself enjoy this moment, the quiet before the storm. This morning the sun bursts between Mount Alyeska and Max’s Mountain as if it was shot forth by a giant slingshot between the two mountains. The billions of groomed crystals on the ground sparkle under the bright sun, fresh, un-carved terrain. All that riotous color belies the quiet in the air. The calm snow, the trees still, the sun warm, I could just lie down and take a nap. 

That is not to be, as its a great day for everyone to drive into Glacier Valley to hit the slopes. The afternoon will be filled with bull wheels being turned by closet-sized motors, skis and snowboards slipping over the firm snow pack, kids laughing and having a good time, and lots of requests for lift tickets accompanied by beeping computers and printers grinding out the tickets. Throw in three, four, or five dogs romping around the base, parents pulling little ones in plastic sleighs, boots and binding clamping down and clicking off, and the random mix of music in the daylodge and you have a wild mix of audible waves. The evening will be closed out with hundreds of cars crunching in the gravel on the way down Alyeska Highway back to the Seward Highway. By 9 pm, the town settles back down to one or two cars humming up or down the road, being a Friday, maybe they just returned from a night out in the big city. 

We don't have to dream, its a white Christmas

Snow is falling in Girdwood, since late last night. But not a whole lot yet, check Alyeska Resort's snow report for latest measurements. As of 8 am it was only 4 inches new stuff at the top. The wind is blowing too, so be prepared for a windy drive. The good news is the temperature is up, I am recording 30° at the T and the big branches of spruce are swaying in the wind.

Don't forget to check Alaska 511 for driving conditions and CNFAIC for the radar. I look forward to some nice new snow photos.

Santa will definitely need Rudolph tonight! Girdwood, Prince William Sound, and the Kenai are in the midst of a heavy snow storm. Girdwood is experiencing moderate winds. Not high enough to close the Tram at Alyeska Resort, but they are on watch. 

I knew it was snowing by early early morning. How do you know without being outside? When there is no road noise. This is due as we know to the snow absorbing the pressure of the tires and insulating them from the road. Its so quiet when it snows....until...the wind. When thumps are heard on the roof, and not on Christmas Eve, that indicates the wind is blowing snow off the tree branches. Without the wind, the snow is so quiet. 

Along with the heavy snow, the clouds and frontal pattern have raised the temperature. It is up to 30° today, it has risen nearly the whole 30 in 24 hours. The snow is rather wet and sticky. Snowmen and snowballs can be made today, a rarity for us. Usually the snow is powdery dry in Glacier Valley. 

Santas skied for free at Alyeska Resort today. There were quite a few, even a couple of elves and a few Mrs. Clauses. Here is a group preparing to ski.

What an absolutely gorgeous morning

A sweet pink dawn rivaling those clear sunsets of last week, and day two of frost. Above is a view over the Alyeska Resort toward Raven and Eagle glaciers. If you are wondering what it all looks like from the air, today would be a great day for a flightseeing trip. Visit Alpine Air Alaska’s website. They are located right here in Girdwood. Alpine also has a facebook page where you can see the latest awesome photos of recent flights. The most experienced helicopter pilots around will take you on a smooth trip to see the fresh snow cover, icy creeks and the big blue sky. 

Today would be an exceptional day as there is virtually no wind. A perfect day for flightseeing or back country skiing, no wind crowns! And since there has been no wind, the snow is holding fast to the trees making for that beautiful winter wonderland experience. Should be a great drive out for pass holders tomorrow and opening day at the resort on Thursday!

Here is a view of Penguin at 9:30 with Raggedtop visible through the trees to the right. Its day two of frost and the forecast if for several more days, at least through Saturday of the same. 

Last night on our drive back from Anchorage, my husband and I stopped to look at the stars. The moon is just about half so it was not too bright. The milky way was visible overhead. The pleiades (containing the little dipper) were plainly visible and the large star to the left is Jupiter. Hyades are also visible. While the aurora forecast is low, go out and look at the stars! For those of us who miss Jack Horkheimer’s Star Gazer forecast, here is good news. Sky & Telescope Magazine’s Associate Editor Tony Flanders has filled the space void left by Jack’s passing. Mr. Flanders can be seen on PBS weekly with the SkyWeek observations. You can see this week’s SkyWeek on their website here. Yea!

Max’s is clear as a bell here, sun glowing from behind. I don’t know about you, but I feel like winter is going to pass quick this year. At 9:30 this morning it was 9° with a surprising 91% relative humidity, 70% at the top of the mountain.

While you are getting your gear prepped, keep this in mind if you find your skis are worn out or did not serve you well last year with all the powder days. Will Spears, one of the ski tuners at Alyeska Resort, has started his own business, Chugach Snow Tools. He is building custom skis for the Chugach mountain conditions. They are made with all U.S. materials and local wood. Stephen Shortridge has started Chugach Flyer Snowboards, also made with all U.S. products. You can see an article about them in the Turnagain Times here.