Hi all,
Well, it seems like it's been taking forever, but here comes the snow!
Turning the page to December on Friday, three back-to-back storms will move into Idaho and dump copious amounts of snow statewide. Bogus, Brundage and Tamarack are all forecast to get 20" + of new snow by Sunday.
Weather forecasts seem to be holding true so far. NOAA is predicting that Brundage, Bogus Basin and Tamarack will get between 24-30" by Monday. Since the storm has a Northwest flow, it will not hit Sun Valley as hard, where less than 10" are expected through Monday.
Here's how the snow map looks on the Idaho Daily Snow.
No matter how you slice it, we should get hit hard by the weekend storms.
Due to the lack of substantial snow up to now, Bogus, Brundage and Tamarack will be opening limited terrain on Friday and this weekend. Here's what I know so far:
Bogus Basin will reopen this weekend on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Adult lift tickets cost $49 (plus tax). Front side terrain park will be open plus the Showcase run. Deer Point Express and Coach chairlifts, Easy Rider, and Explorer conveyor lifts will be in operation. Go to Bogus Basin for more information.
Brundage Mountain is opening the Easy Street chairlift on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, from 9 am to 4 pm. Lift tickets are $5. Smoky’s Bar & Grill will be open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm both days, and guests will be treated to 50% savings on all rental gear in the Fall Line Shop.
Tamarack Resort is opening for a Winter Preview on Friday, Dec. 1 on the beginner hill serviced by the Discovery Chairlift. Operating 9 am to 4 pm. The lift accesses freshly groomed slopes with mini-terrain park features. Lift Tickets are $15 for non-Boundless Pass holders!! The Discovery lift and the Tamarack Village area will be open through Sunday, Dec. 3.
Just so you know, the timing of the storms is such that they come in Friday-Sunday. The biggest snow totals are expected on Saturday and Saturday night. The most optimistic forecast is that Bogus Basin could get 28" by Sunday, Brundage 30" and Tamarack 22" by Sunday. (source: OpenSnow.com)
That's good news to build the snow base and get the mountains in skiing/riding shape for the winter of 2023-2024!
My advice would be to get out and play in the snow this weekend if you like snow! Just even going sledding or boot-hiking in new snow would be fun! Maybe go get a Christmas tree!
Outside of the ski areas, the snow will be piling up above Idaho City as well. But you might give it a little time ... checking on the Mores Creek snotel site, the current snow depth at Mores Creek Summit is 2" as of Thursday. Could be over 10" by Saturday afternoon!
All of the Idaho City Park and Ski Areas won't have enough snow for grooming yet, but they could be a fun place to go boot hiking or snowshoeing. Might be deep enough for xc skis by Sunday?
Just so you know ... the weather is supposed to warm up and snow levels are projected to go up to 6,500 Sunday night to over 8,000 (above the summits of Bogus, Brundage and Tamarack by Monday night. The snow levels are forecast to rise to over 9,500 feet by Tuesday night. Geez!
So that could cause melting and snow-loss after waiting for a big storm this weekend. Not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, but a head's up!
So there's your weather report for what will be the first major snowstorm of the winter!
If you stay in town, be sure to stay off muddy trails in the foothills. Stick to all-weather trails or the Greenbelt. Watch for updates on the Ridge to Rivers Facebook page.
- SS
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