Ralph's Montana Ski Report as of Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Last Ski Report for the 2009-2010 Season
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Spring conditions are common in Montana. Many areas are still open while others have stopped grooming due to lack of snow. The season is definitely winding down.
Backcountry skiers are being treated to fresh powder in high elevation areas this week.
Montana Snow Depth Map
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Just before the start of my 30th American Birkiebeiner ski race from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin on February 21, 2009
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Location
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Conditions
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Lone Mountain Ranch at Big Sky
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Thursday March 25: 17 F degrees at 8:00am. Forecasted high is 46. Base: 18 inches. 31 kilometers of ski trails and 20 kilometers of snowshoe trails are open!
Photo: Steve and Juliane Bantz skiing the Ranch Loop at Lone Mountain Ranch, February 12, 2009.
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Izaak Walton Inn at Essex
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Tuesday March 30: At 8:40 am is was 33 F with light snow. Base is 6-20 inches. Spring conditions with 15 km open.
Photo: Jen and Ron Gruber on the Junction Circle trail at the Izaak Walton Inn, March 2005.
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Rendezvous Trails in West Yellowstone
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Friday March 26: Two inches of new in the last 24 hours, Groomed Rendezvous, Dead Dog, and Deja View. Getting down to the last foot so enjoy it one more time.
The image at the left is from a web cam at the beginning of the Rendezvous Trails just past the log archway. Check it during the daylight hours to see the actual ski conditions.
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Bohart Ranch near Bozeman |
Tuesday March 30: 6:00 a m. 30 degrees. 2 inches new snow last 24 hrs, snowing, yesterday high 42. Closed for the Season. |
Glacier Outdoor Center,
West Glacier |
Tuesday March 30: Trails closed for the season. |
Stillwater Lodge near Whitefish |
Tuesday March 30: No report this week. |
Homestake Lodge near Butte |
Wednesday March 24: Ski trails are closed for the season. |
Other trails I have reports from:
Please note the date at the end of each report.
Anna skiing at
Red Lodge Nordic Center.
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Red Lodge Nordic Center: Red Lodge Nordic Center is closed (due to excessive warm weather). Thanks for supporting us in our busiest season EVER! Grant (03/17/10)
Pattee Canyon: No new Report. (03/24/10)
Lubrecht Trails: No new Report. (03/24/10)
Rattlesnake Trails: Equipment issues will prevent grooming in the Rattlesnake at this time. ckrueger (02/11/10)
Lolo Pass: As of noon Saturday March 27, there is 2-3 inches of fresh snow. The trails have been groomed with a good classic track, and skiing is good. Alden (03/27/10)
Mount Haggin: No more grooming this season. John (03/19/10)
Seeley Lake: No more grooming this season. Lynn (03/13/10)
Como Trails near Hamilton: No new report. (03/24/10)
Chief Joseph Pass: No new report. (03/24/10)
Moulton near Butte: Moulten got 2" new dense snow Thurs night on top of a still consistent base and skied good Fri morning. Should be real good Sat morning. Don't be discouraged by the access trail, just walk up a bit. unknown poster (03/26/10)
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Back Country Ski Conditions
Avalanche forecasts and conditions at the Glacier Country Avalanche Center and Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. Forecasts are usually posted on Friday and Tuesday. |
Friday March 26:
Between the elevations of 5,500 and 7,500 ft. the dry snow avalanche danger is currently rated MODERATE. During periods of thaw at those elevations we rate the wet snow avalanche danger CONSIDERABLE to HIGH. Below 5,500 ft. we continue to rate the avalanche danger as LOW.
April and Gary reported very good powder skiing Saturday March 27, 2010 above Marias Pass on Elk Calf Mountain. Other reports of great backcountry skiing are coming in as well. New snow in the high country this week should improve conditions further. Just be aware of the potential for avalanches, especially on warm days.
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The scene on Flattop Mountain near Glacier National Park on March 13, 2009.
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The National Weather Service Map for West Central Montana:
Some heavy mountain snow is forecast for mid to late week.
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Western Montana Snow Depth
The snow is retreating to the high country.
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