The skies opened up and a little sun shone through, allowing many guests to arrive in time to celebrate as per their various plans. Resorts were very nervous, but, in the end, it has worked out fairly well.
Sadly, it has been reported that a Truckee resident has died in an avalanche incident in the ski resort area(Alpine Meadows) . A resident of Hirshdale, on the river, was a member of the ski patrol on avalanche control duty. Other members said the victim was overwhelmed by a snow slide in an area where he was working. Another victim, a snowboarder, died the same week in bounds area at Donner Ski ranch. Warnings have been posted all over to be alert to changing conditions, especially as more snow is predicted tomorrow night( the 28th, and on the 29th). With the base of over 5' on the ground, conditions could become extreme, especially in off run/off trail back areas. There are reports of snow depths over 10' at the higher elevs. Be Careful!
Tom Stienstra, outdoor columnists @ the Chronicle has written an article today explaining many of the rules of safety on the slopes. He also provides a listing of several sites for current snow conditions: Truckee area, avalanche hotline,(530) 587-3558; sierraavalanchecenter.org;Mt. Shasta, avalanche hotline(530) 926-9613, shasta avalanche .org;National Avalanche Center, avalanche.org.
The Chronicle published a story on avalanche awareness on Dec. 16, '12. It is archived @ sfgate.com, entitled,"Whumph!"---The sound of avalanche danger and how to avoid it". Worth reading.
Royal Gorge is up and running under new ownership, with 45 groomed tracks available that total 111 kilometers! Yes, 111 kms. Olympian Marcus nash will teach skate skiing Saturday for $35.
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