Starting again in 2020

After a week of hype on social media, the fact was very different to the predicted forecasts of one metre, half a metre and polar vortexes. 

I had decided, with all these predictions to have a long weekend. Taking Friday and Monday off work to really kickstart this season. By Thursday though I’d already cancelled the Monday off and watched the webcams as the warmer than expected wind actually seems to strip some of the snow off the hill. My only hope was for some more overnight snow.

Conditions on the hill

Unfortunately the storms that did bring a ton of snow, also brought with them high speed winds that have scoured the high tops. This means only the leeward side of the snow fences and some gullies managed to hold on to the snow. The rain and sleet experienced in the carpark turned to snow on the chair. 

I took a pretty windy and soggy chair up late in the morning and was happy to see the uptrack on the Plateau was in decent shape.

The squalls came and went, there was no sustained snowfall, as broken cloud scudded overhead. Occasional sunny spells poked through too. Overall visibility was pretty good. 

Temperatures seemed to be sitting just below zero and the snow that was there looked like staying put. It looks like at least a base is being layed down and hopefully more substantial snowfall will come soon and land on good foundations.

Still Early Days

I exhausted the Plateau Runs and decided to take a short hike. Nothing big at all, just level with the rescue hut. It gave me a feel for what may be available elsewhere. Some drifted patches with concealed ice-bombs. I came across icy patches that gave way to crusted-over powdery areas before making it down to the Plateau once more.

There was a handful of people up the hill. Not too bad considering the earlier weather and it was a Friday. 

I left the hill at the end of the day with wind picking up again and heavier snow falling. Fingers crossed this will improve things for Saturday. We could all do with a break.

Some of the best seasons have not started till February, so there is no room for despondency. Let’s hope the snow gods deliver soon though.