A nice refresher storm swept over Utah this weekend, bringing much needed snow. The high, March sun did a number on the snow quality. So this latest powder dump made for ideal ski conditions in the Wasatch backcountry. We toured around high and mid-elevation slopes in the Cottonwood Canyons the last two weeks and the differences in a few days time are stark for Wasatch backcountry ski conditions.
White Pine Last Weekend
Last weekend we did a tour in upper White Pine in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Our goal was the Rock & Roll chutes on Red Baldy. But upon reaching the apron below the chutes, we found breakable wind board. However, the main face of Red Baldy skied quite good with soft-yet-old powder turns. Despite the low quality snow, the clear, sunny day and epic views made the day.
After the Storm
Fast forward to March 17, where a snow wave on Thursday and another Friday night refreshed the Wasatch. In a complete 180-degree turn, backcountry skiers were breaking trail in deep, surfy snow. Some compared the snow density to “Sierra Cement” but that thickness helped keep skis floating above the sun crust that formed on Friday.
On Saturday, we were astonished to be breaking trail in Butler Fork (BCC) late in the morning on a powder weekend. Where was everybody? Not one to complain, I helped break trail to the top of Circle All Peak. The trees were un-touched with nearly a foot of fresh snow. Don’t worry, we tracked it all up.
Snow fell all day, giving us free refills and adding more to the snow. Chances are the backcountry skiing is even better on Sunday.
Backcountry conditions are some of the best they’ve been all year. Coverage is good and the powder is deep and soft. Go ski it before the sun comes out and ruins it all again.
Wasatch Backcountry Conditions Forecast
According to Evan Thayer with OpenSnow.com, we take a break early this week. But starting Wednesday night into Thursday, another big storm will hit bringing a ton of snow to the high elevations of the Wasatch. Looks like the door will remain open for more storms in March.
See also: Favorite Backcountry Ski Routes in Big Cottonwood Canyon