Steenburgh winters are the creme-de-la-creme of backcountry powder skiing. They occur when there is a magic overlap between a deep snowpack and the low-angle sun. There can be good skiing before and after Steenburgh winter, sometimes very good, but powder snobs know there's nothing like years when there is a deep snowpack and a low-angle sun to potentially enable aggressive lines to be skied as powder persists on all aspects when the avalanche hazard allows.
Steenburgh winters have been rare in recent years. There was a brief appearance during the 2016/17 season, but I think the last extended Steenburgh winter was in 2010/11. Looks like you will have nearly three weeks of it this year.
Enjoy, but please enjoy responsibly. In recent years, a small, but growing number of people have been violating interlodge restrictions in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Alta central reports that they arrested nine individuals this week.
Interlodge is no joke. It is serious business. It exists for several reasons including (1) live artillery, including 105 mm armor penetrating or anti-infantry hells, is being shot across the highway, (2) large avalanches released by explosive work have and can hit the highway, parking lots, and structures, (3) buildings, especially fortified ones, are the safest place to be, and (4) public and snow safety professionals need to do their jobs.Interlodge violations carry a potential $1000 fine and jail time. We're serious about this folks. LIVES CAN BE LOST. We have arrested nine individuals this week including today.— Alta Central (@AltaCentral) January 22, 2019
Violating interlodge puts others in harms way and delays the opening of the resort, backcountry, and highway. If the problem persists or worsens, we can all expect more draconian measures to be taken that will impact our recreational pursuits. Let's keep it real.
Does Steenburgh Winter stop if the snow stake goes under 100 in the next couple weeks? Kinda like Punxsutawney Phil going back in his burrow?
ReplyDeleteOr is it just once the 100 inch marker is hit its on? Asking for a friend
Ah, this has historically been a point of contention. In the early super snow snobbery days of this blog, "groundhogging" wouldn't have been enough. However, recent years have softened my stance on this and I'm willing to let it begin at the first reaching of 100.
DeleteJim
Steenburgh Winter Rocks! :)
ReplyDeleteSo you've softened your stance but you're still sticking to 100" to mark the beginning to the Steenburgh winter. I haven't skied Alta much - does it really need 100" to transition from early season to great conditions? I've asked old timers at Bridger Bowl and they believe on 70" inches are needed there to have great conditions. As long as there are skiers these things will be debated.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm jealous you're spending a semester in Innsbrook. I've gone on several hut tours in the Alps and the terrain, ease of access and culture can't be beat.
ReplyDeleteI have a high bar.
DeleteSteenburgh winter is the "creme-de-la-creme" of backcountry skiing conditions when the snowpack is deep, nearly all terrain can be skied, and the sun angle is low. There is good skiing to be had before and after Steenburgh winter, but I'm really trying to emphasize the best of the best.
Jim