As I write this we are fresh off of a foot and a half of heavy powder at Carson Pass. It is snowing now, very cold, and by tomorrow the National Weather Service is calling for up to a foot of new snow above 8,000 feet. Given the temperatures it will likely be nice light powder. Not spring skiing at all but enjoyable nonetheless.
But spring skiing will come with interludes of winter. Longer days and higher sun angle produce greater solar insolation which compacts the snow and often results in a melt-freeze crust that can make backcountry skiing less than enjoyable.
At some point though, and at the right time of day, the top layer will soften to a depth of several inches making telemark turns a delight. The time of day will vary with slope aspect, temperature and wind and will progressively get earlier in the day.
This kind of snow greatly reduces flail factor - frantic waving of the arms, usually in the shoulder sockets, that helps maintain balance in variable snow conditions.
It does, however, result in another condition known as suction. After a nice run down a slope, upon reaching a flat runout area where the snow has warmed even more, the effect is like skiing into something very dense and heavy. Everything except the skis pitches forward in a sudden, constant and remarkably strong deceleration.
That's when it's time to go home. As the days lengthen this time gets earlier and by mid April it's usually best to be off the snow by noon. While suction may result in a face plant, sudden snowpack collapses may break something. And if your boot with no ski on it sinks to ankle deep or greater the danger of a wet snow avalanche is much more likely and you shouldn't be on that slope at all.
So the key to spring backcountry enjoyment is to time your trip to take advantage of weather conditions, pick slope aspects that move either with the sun or ahead of the sun to end up facing north before calling it quits and to use great care when conditions get too soft.
So where to go? Skiers, showshoers and board riders can't beat Carson Pass, either south toward Round Top or north into Meiss Pass and beyond. Adventurous types can ski from Meiss out to a second vehicle at Big Meadow trailhead on Highway 89, at total distance of about 8 miles. Carson Pass does require a Sno-Park permit.
Forestdale Divide south from Red Lake is another great ski. It's an easy 1.7 miles, starting at 7,850 feet to the meadow at just under 8,000 feet, where there are easy flats with gentle north and south facing rollers and steeper slopes in both directions above. A climb south, up to the divide, about a mile and 1,000 feet higher makes for a good final run for the day.
For a really easy and scenic skiing pick any one of the turnouts in Hope Valley. Hope Valley Outdoors at Pickett's Junction (Highway 88 and 89 intersection), aka the Yurt, has all kinds of outdoor equipment for rent. Easy flats, gentle rollers and stunning views make Hope Valley an ideal choice.
Whatever your choice get a feeling for the things that grow and live in the area. Note which tree species grow where - consider elevation, slope, soil type, sun, shade and moisture. Smell and feel the bark, note color, the number of needles in a clump and their color, check cones (might have to wait until summer), crown size and shape and then key the tree in your tree book. Do the same for bird and animal sightings. Note markings, size, call, behavior, habitat and possible food sources. Tracks in the snow are a good way to identify species. Getting a feel for what's around makes outdoor experiences more enjoyable and adds to your wilderness savvy.
I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you to bring the 10 essentials, consult the NOAA weather forecast and the Sierra Avalanche Center website. Don't let nice weather lull you into a false sense of security. Trip preparation and good decision making are still key to a safe and enjoyable trip.
Jim Donald is an Alpine County resident.
