Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

[nate76]

Was able to get out and kite Hoosier Pass on Saturday. Winds were pretty punchy but still a lot of fun. I threw together some video for those interested:

http://youtu.be/cYSfl-zOPbU

Sure wish I could get to Snow Mesa, but I don't think it is going to happen for me this winter. I'll have to meet up with you guys next winter.

[ScottN]

Nate, I'm good for another trip or two down to Snow Mesa between now and April 6th if you have any free time.
Snow is pretty much gone in Gunnison.

[matthepp]

Nate that Hoosier Pass spot looks good. How long is the skin in?
I'm back fresh from spring break at the in-laws, nice and de-acclimatized. Nonetheless, I hope to get out this weekend. Looks like good SW winds for eatin' corn up high. Who's in? Brown rain here at the house now so maybe there will be a touch of fresh.

[nate76]

Hey Matt,

The hike in is pretty easy - less than 1/2 a mile ESE from the parking lot w/ less than 300ft elevation gain before it really opens up an you can start kiting. I don't have skins but the snow was hard enough in the morning so that I didn't even need snowshoes - I just hiked in my ski boots. Coming out is all downhill so you can just ski out to the parking lot when snow conditions are softer.

On Google Earth, I would say 39.359230°,-106.053293° was where I started having consistent wind and was able to start kiting all the way to the top. Lower than that, I felt like the NNW winds were rotoring at the lower elevations and inconsistent. I initially threw my kite out at 39.359558°,-106.056935°, but the wind was not consistent and I had to eventually pack up and hike a little further up the hill.

I definitely want to get back there; it has some good potential.

Nate

[rickythecat]

Nate, thanks for the video of Hoosier Pass. I haven't been up there yet this year. Looks like there's still plenty of snow.

Other conditions here in Summit County, we've seen our last days on Lake Dillon. Also hiked up to Loveland Pass on Sunday. Pretty thin and wind scoured - not much coverage.

I did kite Rabbit Ears Pass (near Steamboat) on Tuesday. Plenty of snow on both sides (see pics), lots of terrain. should be good for a few more weeks, maybe more if they get new snow. On another bluebird day, I will again ride the 70 miles to Rabbit Ears, but my next outing will most likely be to Hoosier Pass. If anyone wants to meet up there let me know.

[ScottN]

Snow Mesa still has snow! For those of you who are still snow kiting. Sled access is about over, time to hike/skin. Coverage up top is good, had 4-6 inches of powder yesterday morning then wet snow when it warmed up in the afternoon. Might go again first of next week.

[matthepp]

Hey Scott. I hope you had a good trip. Winter came back while you were gone! A few of us headed up to Engineer Pass last weekend. Visibility was even worse than out last outing to SM and the winds were nasty, but we had over a foot of fresh powder finally. Barely got the truck down at the end of the day. Ol' Dave is gonna be grumpy when he has to post-hole up to the dozer at 12k. Looks like it's gonna dump up high all week. I'll be in the deep desert this weekend but look forward to some bluebird bikini snowkite days. We should try to get out on American Flats one time...

[rvrrat]

Scott, Sounds like somebody needs a Texas Wheelchair. Be out soon. Hope to get some. JR

[ScottN]

Johnny, we need the Texas wheel chair to get through the mud at the bottom and the snow at the top. The tow might be a little rough for the first 1/4 mile! Forecast looks like more snow for the next week at Snow Mesa. I haven't put the sleds away yet! Let me know when you head this way, we'll find some snow to play in.

[matthepp]

We've got a foot of fresh over here in the west San Juans. Can't wait to get up there. Let's rally! JR when you heading west?