Crystal 2/11

Anticipation of good conditions after the multi-day closure did not materialize today. A pretty good crowd was ready at the typical 8:30 Chex opening that was delayed for almost 30 minutes; long enough for the sunny weather to change over to a high overcast. Then Rex was delayed for patrol work so we took 3 runs on FQ, finding some soft snow in Frisco along with the usual wild ride there. Once Rex opened we headed there and GV. Aspects in the sun Monday were mostly crusty, knee twisters. Shady aspects were hit or miss with no discernable pattern. Best were GV, Grubstake lookers just right of the chair, GV lower chair line, Cold face, PB. Surprisingly Rinky Dink was pretty lousy. Grooming was excellent on FQ, Iceburg, LS, Snorting Elk, Deer Fly. And that was a good thing as fog moved in and out in the late morning and settled in for good at 12:30. The ridge line between Crystal and MR Park was a clear divider with the Park side beautiful clear skies, and the Crystal side in the fog. With no change in sight, we headed out at 1pm. Still better than a good day at work!

Mandatory parking lot report: Pay lot and carpool were right sized today. Good job Crystal. B lot 1/3 full, C lot 2/3 full. After the opening clearing, no lift lines. Gondy on "wind hold" all day even after the wind died completely. NW opened late but we did not try. SB was closed as far as I know.

There was some dirt on 410 where the slides occurred. There were multiple locations with the worst being the one W of Greenwater. On the way home it was limited to one lane with a flager.

Southback opened, at the most got 2 to 3 turns that were fun, yea good hike.

Great to be up there, not great skiing. Impressive road work as there are a dozen slides of varying severity that were cleared. Ran on back up till around 1030 when the juice start flowing., apparently. No cell service but there is Wifi inCB. Very good in Bear Pits while waiting for Rex- surprised it was open as didn't see control work above. Got a couple good runs in Abasin but only in shaded areas that were wind protected. Soup report- minestrone with chick peas is delicious.

PS- best snow I found was in DFF.