C2 Bowl sees the first tracks of the morning.


Squaw was firing on all cylinders Friday. Conditions were rocking and so were the crowds. Cars were parked along Squaw Valley road about a half mile past the post office. At 11AM traffic was still bumper to bumper all the way to Squaw Valley Academy.

Palisades opened Friday morning despite heavy traffic on the Reverse Traverse.


The backcountry was excellent on Friday but still commanded respect. Local Ben Brackett was caught and killed in a deep slab avalanche on Thursday in Ward Canyon. The slide stepped down three layers reflecting a snowpack more similar to Colorado than California. The Sierra Avalanche Center is always a great resource especially during times like this. A persistent weak layer is still alive and kicking.

Extra Chute


Robb Gaffney drops into the Light Towers Friday morning.