DeepWaterSurf

Time to find some snow. Looking for good snow is a lot like looking for good waves. Conditions and temperatures are crucial in finding quality powder. Just like tides, wind and interval are essential in finding great waves. It looked like the whole west coast was finally getting its share, but temperatures in the Sierras were a little warm, meaning rain down low and sort of a heavy wet snow in the mountains. The Rockies tend to get drier snow because they are a bit higher and further from the coast. Colorado’s forecast looked epic. Temps, snowfall, etc. I got a buddy that lives in Crested Butte and after a phone call and a quick chat, it was on.

I’m new to the mountains and its dangers but I see a lot of parallels between the two sports. Especially the big wave thing. Getting caught by massive swells or going over the falls at Mavericks on a 20ft wave has similar dangers to being caught by an avalanche. They both can kill you. There are dangers you have to acknowledge and prepare for in both sports. I took an Avalanche course in Jackson Hole and I learned to recognize dangers that I had no idea existed. Just like a beginning surfer may not recognize the different current patterns that could either be your best friend or your worst enemy.… Read the rest