This writer, acting under informal warrant as your snow conditions delegate, made an quasi-official field outing to Windy Hill today for the purposes of a snow survey. The trailhead parking lot was populated by roughly 10 motorized vehicles, however their occupants chose to travel the route toward the Ole Ski Hill while this observer selected to pursue a more northerly course toward the Windy Hill vicinity via the Bleeping Mountain trail, variously known as Windy Hill trail or other nomenclature.
The ascent was uneventful, with moderate snow falling and temperature of 15 f. Contemplation of the trail surface indicated overland travelers 24 hours prior. Two intermissions enroute were undertaken to urinate. Travel time to the basin equaled 1 hour, or 60 minutes. Upon arrival, it was observed that a probable air pressure gradient between eastern Colorado and lands to the westward resulted in rapid movement of air for atmosphere pressure equilibrium. This observer proceeded up the zone typically utilized for ski descents, pausing to excavate a snow observation cavity on a NNE aspect inclined at 24 degrees. Snow depth in the pit equaled 120 cm as measured by a BCA probe, circa 2006. The snow pack was fairly consistent, with typical layers due to various snowfall events interspersed with wind deposited material. The presence of depth hoar or faceted crystals near the ground was observed, although not more than is usually present in a continental snow pack. Incidentally, it can be noted that no signs of snow instability known as whoomping were present throughout the 4-hour survey interval.
This writer then ingested a salami and muenster sandwich, which included a significant amount of snow for the reason that the storm was increasing. Upon reengaging the ski bindings, 4 additional travelers were observed utilizing the broken trail to make their ascent less strenuous. After the phrase "cocksuckers" passed in and out of this writer's brain, cordial greetings were voiced.
Hence, 3 roundtrips were accomplished in billowing powder, punctuated by episodes whereby the observer's skis traveled upon the surface of obscured basalt, granite, or other geologic material, or Douglas fir. In a notable instance, one of the aforementioned objects caused the observer's right hand to impact with a certain force a granite boulder. Presently a final descent was undertaken to the cached motor vehicle for transport to the home office.
Submitted, 7:08 pm, 12/30/07.
