Squaw Valley, CA Report: Wet and Wild Afternoon and a Refresh of Snow to Start the Weekend

Galen Carrico | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Forgetting about the rain at the base. Image: Alyson McCormick.

Brought to you by Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Report from February 19, 2021

At the base of Squaw Valley it was raining, snowing, and then a mix of both at times this afternoon.

We loaded the Funitel to see if conditions were better at the higher elevations.

The upper mountain was colder, it was snowing sideways and the wind was howling in from the West as the next storm arrived. 

Alyson finds the snow in Shirley Lake Canyon. Image: Galen Carrico

We skied into Shirley Canyon below the high cliffs to try and stay out of the wind.

Shirley Canyon was protected from the wind and it was lightly snowing in the afternoon. Image: Alyson McCormick

The temperatures dipped and the wind intensified as the cold front arrived. 

About 1″ of snow fell today with 2-4″ expected overnight.

Gulleys and bowls skied well where the wind had deposited snow and graupel.

Headwall was closed today but should be great after a refresh on Saturday morning. 

Alyson with Headwall in the background. Image: Galen Carrico
Alyson on a February Friday afternoon. Image: Galen Carrico

There is great coverage on the upper mountain and lots more terrain expected to be open this weekend. 

The forecast calls for 2-4″ of snow tonight and better weather into the weekend.

Snow Numbers:

Credit: Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows (SVAM)
Credit: NRCS

Forecast:

Credit: SVAM
Credit: NOAA.gov

Photos:

Alyson does it all…Homemade ramen for dinner.
Until next time…
Posted by Galen Carrico |

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