Buskin Lake and River Classic 3/29

[patrick]

Zoya and I skiied across the lake and up the river this morning, and it was pretty darn good. The sun was trying to come out and there was 4 to 5 inches of new snow. It looks like it sleeted a bit at the end of the storm and then froze - so there was a bit of a crust, but really pretty minor. And while we were skiing it warmed up enough to soften the crust anyway. In fact it started to drizzle just as we got to the car.

We needed this snow to flatten out all the bumps and a bit more drizzle should help the crust set up for skate skiing!

Patrick

[Philip]

The wind is starting up now (2pm) but the day seems warm and the drizzle probably softened up the surface. I am going to go try it soon.

Tnx for the report.

[Philip]

I just got back from Buskin (5 pm). It was quite good. The sun was out (yipee and it was nice and warm. I went up the canyon (or whatever the Patrick sanctioned terminology is) farther than I ever had, though not up to the pass. It became extremely narrow and little now sloughs from the gorge walls made for a somewhat uneven surface, but also made for some nice thick base to wind your way over the creek. I did come to a large hole that I could have circumnavigated, but I was satiated so I turned around. The snowpack is now soft down to about 8 inches and then there is a firmer crust. In those spots where that lower layer is melting the conditions are sort of a punchy slog, but overall fun. If it cools off the track will freeze into a chunky rut like it did a few weeks back, I fear. If it stays warm, it will be fun.

There are still a few hours of daylight if anyone wants to hit it. Beware the afternoon shadows and dropping temps icing things up though.