Dec 19, 2008, Paul Ridge

It's been a pathetic start to the Coast Mountains ski season. After the epicness of the past two seasons some letdown is expected but this has been a downright disappointment. Two long weekends at Rogers Pass has kept me sane. After an artic air mass hit Vancouver, hung around for the past week and 10cms dropped in North Vancouver, Sharon, Gregor, Tyler and I headed up to Paul Ridge to check things out.

Unfortunately snowpack is still lacking. I didn't bother to probe for snow depth at Red Heather Meadows but HS was 70cms just below the top of Round Mountain on a SW aspect. Temps were approx minus 17. Skies were cold and clear. S aspects are the best snow but S aspects off Paul Ridge lack sufficient snow for much skiing. N faces off Paul Ridge (the traditional 100m - 150m shots) are wind-blasted. No marked surface hoar development. Good coverage on the ski - in and ski - out. Of course, beautiful views given the clear skies

Stability is GOOD but that happens when you have no meaningful snowpack. Watch for open creeks in Meadowskipper Meadows above the Red Heather shelter  - for more - http://www.leelau.net/2008/paulridge2008_12_19/