Kingslug on the way!!! Utah that is.

[Marc_C]

Question for the locals, got the email notification form the SLC sheriff saying they're closing LCC at 6:15am for avalanche control, worth getting up there before the closure and if so do they shut it right at 6:15am, do I need to be up the canyon by 6:15? Just trying to figure out what time to get there if we're actually going to do it.

Given this type of storm cycle, I'd be surprised if the canyon reopens after 8am. Also, again, given this type of storm cycle, the forecast, and our incredibly weak and unstable snowpack, I'd expect much of the premier steep terrain (or the terrain below it) to be closed all day tomorrow.

 

[Skrad]

Concur - not expecting either Ballroom or Backside tomorrow. But if they open I will let you know how they were.

 

[Admin]

Question for the locals, got the email notification form the SLC sheriff saying they're closing LCC at 6:15am for avalanche control, worth getting up there before the closure and if so do they shut it right at 6:15am, do I need to be up the canyon by 6:15? Just trying to figure out what time to get there if we're actually going to do it.

Given the fact that you're here on vacation, I'd do it. However, as I'm a local if I were to do it I'd have food, water, a pillow and a sleeping bag with me, too. Understand that there's a distinct possibility that you'll spend a good chunk of your visit Interlodged if you get up there before the closure.

I noticed that they've already put up 4x4/chain restrictions and the storm hasn't even started yet!

If the canyon remains closed at 8:00 you can always go elsewhere -- nowhere around here will be disappointing tomorrow.

 

[socal]

WE are going to do it. I called the alta marshals office, they told me that interlodge was only at the Hellgate so we can stay in the lot as long as we are there before 645, which we will be. I figure ,as you put it, we are on vacatiom, flew all the way out, why not. If I get 2 runs in before the masses show up ill be happy.

Saw the announcement for 4wd already, alta guard shows 9inches already so I figure its worth it.

Gotta get a nap inbefore we wake up again.


Btw, anyone wanna meet up at Pats BBQ tomorrow for dinner?

 

[kingslug]

Should I upgrade my car to an SUV...I'll be getting there Sunday about 11:30- 12:00 Figure everything should be squared away by then...or will there still be restrictions?? Will a car make it to at least the bus stop??

 

[Marc_C]

WE are going to do it. I called the alta marshals office, they told me that interlodge was only at the Hellgate so we can stay in the lot as long as we are there before 645, which we will be. I figure ,as you put it, we are on vacatiom, flew all the way out, why not. If I get 2 runs in before the masses show up ill be happy.

Saw the announcement for 4wd already, alta guard shows 9inches already so I figure its worth it.

Gotta get a nap inbefore we wake up again.

This is a common misconception by visitors. All that is probably not worth it. The road will likely open by 8-ish, Alta lifts don't load until 9:15, and I wouldn't be the least surprised if they are delayed today for completion of control work (as was the case yesterday at the Bird). You'll be in the thick of the masses.

Update just before hitting reply: LCC opened 5 minutes ago.

 

[Admin]

Just rent a regular car and drive it to the bus if there are restrictions. You could drive a RWD Cadillac to the bus stops.

socal, I hope that you anchored down the car in that parking lot! It's howling! If you read this, pay attention for possible road closures this afternoon and high-tail it out of there before closure if necessary.

Salt Lake City had an all-time record low barometer reading last night as a huge low pressure system moves from California across Utah. We should continue to have strong, southwest, ridge top winds blowing 35, gusting to 50 and about 8 inches of relatively dense snow today, especially this afternoon. Winds should die down later today and we will get the main part of the storm on Saturday as we will get a more classic, colder, Cottonwood Canyons storm. We should add up to 3 feet of additional snow by Sunday morning. Today, ridge top temperatures should remain around the mid 20’s dropping into the mid teens tonight and on Saturday and down to 10 degrees on Saturday night.

 

[Marc_C]

Should I upgrade my car to an SUV...I'll be getting there Sunday about 11:30- 12:00 Figure everything should be squared away by then...or will there still be restrictions?? Will a car make it to at least the bus stop??

The may still be restrictions - all depends on how much snow falls Saturday night and when the storm tapers off. A standard car will have no difficulty getting to the lot at the mouth of the canyon. However, sometimes (esp on big days), the buses are full by the time they reach the canyon, so a better strategy for the bus is to go to one of the more outer lots.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Should I upgrade my car to an SUV...I'll be getting there Sunday about 11:30- 12:00 Figure everything should be squared away by then...or will there still be restrictions?? Will a car make it to at least the bus stop??

The may still be restrictions - all depends on how much snow falls Saturday night and when the storm tapers off. A standard car will have no difficulty getting to the lot at the mouth of the canyon. However, sometimes (esp on big days), the buses are full by the time they reach the canyon, so a better strategy for the bus is to go to one of the more outer lots.

What he said: ^^^^^^^^ Try the Park & Ride lot by the Walgreens on 9400 S.

 

[Admin]

It's howling!

It's blowing a steady 20-30 mph at the house at 5,000 ft. with much higher gusts. Must be hell on the hill at 10,000 ft. right now.

 

[Marc_C]

It's howling!

It's blowing a steady 20-30 mph at the house at 5,000 ft. with much higher gusts. Must be hell on the hill at 10,000 ft. right now.

Currently 12F with gusts over 50. Also at the Bird:

Lift Status*
Chickadee(9am-5:00pm): Open
Gadzoom(9am-4:00pm): Delayed
Tram(9am-3:45pm): Delayed
Wilbere(9am-4:30pm): Delayed
Mid-Gad(9am-4:15pm): Closed
Peruvian Express(9am-4:00pm): Delayed
Peruvian Tunnel(9am-3:30pm): Delayed
Mineral Basin Express(9am-3:30pm): Delayed
Baldy Express(9am-3:30pm): Delayed
Little Cloud(9am-3:45pm): Delayed
Gad II(9am-4:00pm): Delayed
Baby Thunder(9am-3:30pm): Delayed


Alta-Snowbird Connection*
Delayed


If I could have gotten out today, I'd have gone to Solitude.

 

[kingslug]

I've come to the conclusion...that the bus can be a PITA...yes its great but Nothing beats keeping you're own schedule. have to see what the upgrade charge is. Sounds like hairy conditions up there...glad I'll get there when its pretty much done!! Might have to hit Snowbasin and Powder during the week as well, lookin good!!

 

[Marc_C]

Snowbird update as of 11:18am:

Road Conditions
The canyon road is open, snow covered and restricted. All vehicles entering the canyon must have chains, 4WD or AWD. Please be aware that due to current road conditions, there are some cars sliding off the road, causing some delays. We ask that all drivers on the road please be patient and drive caustiously.

Snow tires are required on all vehicles entering the canyon through May 1st.

Mountain Conditions*
For the safety of all those enjoying the mountain, all Snowbird blue and green runs are designated slow skiing and riding areas. Please ski and ride in control at all times. For real time mountain updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook!


Terrain currently available from the Tram is
Peruvian Gulch, Regulator Johnson, and the
Cirque Traverse only.

Lift Status*
Chickadee(9am-5:00pm): Open
Gadzoom(9am-4:00pm): Open
Tram(9am-3:45pm): Open
Wilbere(9am-4:30pm): Open
Mid-Gad(9am-4:15pm): Closed
Peruvian Express(9am-4:00pm): Delayed
Peruvian Tunnel(9am-3:30pm): Delayed
Mineral Basin Express(9am-3:30pm): Delayed
Baldy Express(9am-3:30pm): Delayed
Little Cloud(9am-3:45pm): Open
Gad II(9am-4:00pm): Open
Baby Thunder(9am-3:30pm): Delayed

Alta-Snowbird Connection*
Delayed

Backcountry Access*
Gad 2(White Pine): Closed
Hidden Peak(The Twins):Closed

 

[tirolerpeter]

It's howling!

It's blowing a steady 20-30 mph at the house at 5,000 ft. with much higher gusts. Must be hell on the hill at 10,000 ft. right now.

I tried to go up LCC at around 10:15 AM. Security was turning 2wd vehicles around. It took me about 20 minutes to get less than two miles up the canyon. Then, it all stopped moving. Every 5 minutes or so we did a few yards in first gear and stopped again. It was snowing hard from 5400' up. I finally turned around and went home. The valley is sunny!

 

[socal]

I'm too tired to quote everything, but the wind really wasn't too bad, but then again I've been in Mammoth for some real windy days. I'd say 30-40mph gusts, noting too bad. As for heading up to Solitude, maybe, the runs I got first thing in the am (5th chair on Collins) off the high T were amazing as were the ones down the liftline area. And the afternoon when Supreme bowl opened, well worth the effort.

It LONG day, we got up to Alta around 630 this morning, waited out the interlodge then got in line at 830ish. They made an announcement that Collins woldn't run till 945 and Wildcat wouldn't run till 930. 1/2 the line made a dash over there. Come 945 Wildcat started loading, and Collins within minutes after that. Glad we stayed put in line (standing outside for 2hrs is pretty cold btw).

Still torn on what to do tomorrow. Plan as of now is to check the snow reports and snotel stations and if Snowbasin has 10 inches or more we'll head up there. 2 friends wanna see it, and I'd love a day away from the competition of LCC (going to Solitude on Sunday).

By the way, Pats BBQ is pretty amazing.

 

[kingslug]

Hopefully I won't have a prob when I try to get up there by noon sunday...going to try and rent an SUV since I want to check out other places during the week.

 

[andyzee]

Have not heard from kingslug, have you guys lost him in th bc? Be gentle with this easterner, he's a good guy :lol:

 

[Admin]

Have not heard from kingslug, have you guys lost him in th bc? Be gentle with this easterner, he's a good guy :lol:

The last I saw him I think that I heard him giggling like a schoolgirl as his head disappeared beneath the surface as he sped downhill. I think he'll be OK.

 

[andyzee]

Have not heard from kingslug, have you guys lost him in th bc? Be gentle with this easterner, he's a good guy :lol:

The last I saw him I think that I heard him giggling like a schoolgirl as his head disappeared beneath the surface as he sped downhill. I think he'll be OK.

Phew.. thanks.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Have not heard from kingslug, have you guys lost him in th bc? Be gentle with this easterner, he's a good guy :lol:

Kingslug has been skiing with with me and another friend who also came west from LI on Sunday. As Admin said, he has been giggling like a schoolgirl as those face shots turn him into a merry snowman. Monday and Tuesday delivered successive dumps of fresh powder. Alta has consistently understated their snow totals (to our delight) and we have been dropping into chutes chock full of creamy snow. He doesn't have internet access at the moment, but I'm sure you will hear from him next week.