Changes in the snowpack…

2007-03-15 07:28:50.000 – Jim Salge,  Observer

First sign of mud season at the base…

Less than a week after ending our 60+ day streak without hitting the freezing mark, we find ourselves in a 24 hour period without going below freezing. In fact, the high temperature of 43 degrees yesterday tied the record high for the date.

The mountain had a much different look yesterday as we ascended for shift change. Many bare spots, plenty of slush, some runoff, and the beginning of mud season down low, as evident from this picture. It’s all part of the highly changeable weather patterns that you expect around the beginning of spring. Though extreme temperatures swings are common all times of year on the mountain, late March and April tend to see those swings traverse the freezing mark, leading to dramatic changes in snow pack.

The freezing mark will again be traversed this morning as temperatures plummet behind this cold front. Rain will change to snow, before clearing skies this afternoon should give a dramatic sunset view on our new West View Camera. More snow is then likely tomorrow night, and cold air will rule out for the rest of the shift. I guess the guys on the other shift were on to something…

Jim Salge,  Observer