The Low-Angle Sun

Early afternoon with the low-angle sun barely cresting the ridge

I'm a big fan of the low-angle sun as it allows powder to persist for long periods on many aspects.  However, on a cold day like today, it gives little warmth and it allows cold pockets to persist deep into the afternoon.  Chances are you felt them as you skied around today into shady areas.

Sadly, last night's northeasterly flow did some damage to the snow, at least in the mid-elevation area we were touring today.  I heard rumors of great skiing while I was out of town for Christmas, but today's skiing was so-so.  Good in places.  A bit wind affected in others.  Still, compared to last year, we shouldn't complain.

The net chance of a decent refresh looks to be Sunday or Monday.  Forecasts from the SREF vary on timing and amount, with some getting things going in the morning, others later, and most of the members generating 0.2 to 0.6 inches of water at Alta Collins by New Years Eve morning.

For the most part, this looks to be a low density snowfall, so that would be a range of about 4 to 12 inches, although there are a couple of members going bigger than that. Note that while temperatures will rebound tomorrow, they will be dropping on Sunday and New Years Eve (Monday) may feature an airmass a bit colder than todays.