Expected Snow Conditions-San Juan Ski Company Snowcats 3/10?

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skierbiker91

New member
I am going snowcat skiing at purgatory on 3/10, and while there was a lot of fresh snow recently, this week is supposed to be temps in the 40's. I am concerned as to the potential snow conditions, however with 35,000 acres I am hoping for at least something good. I am hoping for north-facing recycled powder, is this overly optimistic? If no maybe this will stabilize the snowpack and allow us to ski above treeline terrain. Overall, I am just a bit anxious. I'm sure TOny Crocker will have an opinion about this, what can I expect?
 
I would try to find out how much of that terrain is north facing. I've heard that in the case of nearby El Diablo snowcat, not much.
 
yeah, actually I hear there is quite a bit of north facing, treed terrain. I'm just hoping that even that doesn't get baked.
 
My brother in Telluride has given season-end bonuses to employees in the form of San Juan Cats - in April - for quite a few years.

I've done it once. And will likely be doing it again in April.

A lot of their terrain is south-facing. Durango is developed on the north-facing terrain...they get the south facing side of the valley.

There are other aspects they will take you to...more cat-trekking/fewer runs.

The humidity is so low in the San Juans that it will be OK.

Talked my brother tonight...he said it is getting warm. In not a good way.

Frankly, think corn skiing and less powder.
 
The corn snow skiing by snowcat can be great, as I experienced at Mt. Bailey in April 2000. But Bailey is 2 hours away from, and has similar climate and snowpack to Mt. Bachelor. Bailey also has 360 degree exposure to follow the sun, and quite steep terrain.

I have generally not found corn snow conditions in the Rockies to be as consistent as in the Sierra or Cascades.
 
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