Sierra Trip Reports

Date: Sunday, November 29, 2015

Location: North Lake Tahoe

Skiers: Andrew, Mike, Morgan and Nick

Photos: Andrew, Mike and Nick as noted (although everything was shot with various forms of cellular machines…)

Synopsis: So far in November, the Tahoe Basin has been consistently receiving small winter storms on a weekly basis. What has been interesting is that November in the Tahoe Basin has been below historical average for both total precip and snowfall. However, with the horrible “winters” the past several years, everyone is obviously excited with cold, consistent snowfall coming in. This past week in fact, Tahoe got a very cold storm dropping down from Alaska the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, followed by well below average temperatures the remainder of the week into the weekend.

As is typical, the winds shifted and moved snow around a bit after the storm, but some simple diligence of reviewing wind speed/direction and use of a topo map directed us to a likely great spot for non wind-affected, deeper snow. It was crazy to head out to the car at 8AM and have a temperature reading of 5F!

Nick and Andrew checking out a wind-scoured zone on way to our intended goal. Photo: Mike

At the top of our intended zone, we were treated to some great views and what was clearly deep and non wind-effected snow. The weather was beautiful and the snow was staying very cold for some good “cold smoke” turns. Click the panorama for a full-sized version. Photo: Nick

After some stability assessments and discussion, we headed for our first lap. I was lucky enough to get first dibs, and trust me it did not disappoint. WINTER IS BACK! Photo: Andrew

We worked our way down the slope, fresh tracks for all. It was very good coverage in this area, which is always a concern early season. Mike dropping in next through the cold smoke. Photo: Andrew

Mike and Morgan, respectively, working down further. Photo: Nick

Everyone was pumped as we continued down – the snow had remained very cold and the coverage in this aspect/elevation was very good. Nick enjoying being back on skis! Photo: Mike

Andrew following up in style. Photo: Mike

We continued down a ways to a bench for a quick water break and skinned back up for another lap. The snow stayed consistently amazing the entire way down. Photo: Nick

Morgan dropping the knee in style. As an aside, none of us had a real camera and shots like this really exhibit how cell phone cameras really are not replacements for the real thing. Photo: Nick

We transitioned a bit over in the aspect and found even better snow in Lap 2. Nick and Morgan, respectively. Photos: Andrew

Working down, the snow got even deeper and lighter. Did I mention how pumped I am to be on skis again! Days like this are so great. Photo: Andrew

One last shot of Andrew – my zoomed-in iPhone camera does not do this justice. Photo: Nick

Overall, an outstanding start to the season with some good friends in great snow in a place I love. Hear is hoping for an outstanding Winter in Tahoe this year!