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Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

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matthepp
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Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby matthepp » Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:53 pm

Hey Colorado kiters snowkite season is here for winter 2015! Please post conditions at your spots and spread the word.

In the San Juan's we had an abrupt switch from sunny fall to cold white winter. We scored a better-than-expected day on McMillan Peak up Red Mountain Pass at 12k feet. 2 feet of fresh and just enough wind slabbing made for great skiing and soft landings. I was still glad to have rock skis but can't complain for mid November.

We checked out Lizard Head pass yesterday and found at least 18" of punchy no base powder. Just enough wind to cruise through the deep.
IMG_20141115_125003_935[1].jpg
IMG_20141115_140222_753[1].jpg
IMG_20141116_132007_197[1].jpg

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matthepp
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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby matthepp » Tue Dec 02, 2014 5:33 pm

I got out Sunday to find pretty hard wind slab up high on RMP. Really south cross-slope winds made things challenging.
Big Mac 11-30-14.pdf
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Also, Crystal Lake (our little beginner/ lumch break spot) in Ironton is frozen solid with a nice soft powder surface. Go track it up!

What else is shaping up around Colorado? I have to head to Buena Vista next week for work. Any recommendations from the Gunny contingent?

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matthepp
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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby matthepp » Fri Dec 12, 2014 5:07 pm

After what feels like 40 days and 40 nights of wind and snow drought, we'll finally be getting some weather this weekend There should be freshies by Sunday morning. The San Juan Airheads are rallying to Snow Mesa above Lake City to take advantage. Join us if you can!

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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby Gjertson » Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:44 pm

What is the approach like now?

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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby dracop » Mon Dec 15, 2014 2:10 am

Ooohhh, what are the major areas for kiting in Colorado? I am going to be up there for like a month in late Jan/early Feb and plan on taking my kites with me in the event of no fresh snow (resorts get tracked up FAST). No need for secret spots, Ill be completely new to snow kiting this year, would prefer just knowing where the main spots are.

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matthepp
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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby matthepp » Wed Dec 17, 2014 12:08 am

We just got back from a great outing to the Continental Divide and got lucky with plenty of wind and snow. On Day 1 Scott aka "Mr Snow Mesa" and Tony aka "Master Splinter" rallied the sleds up to Snow Mesa with the rest of us hanging on for dear life bouncing off only a few rocks here and there. We found NW winds topping out 30-40 mph all day long. It was very humbling to be in that expansive place with the new found fury of winter bearing down at over 12,000 feet. It felt like the clouds were streaming past maybe 10 feet above your kite and the sun seemed no more than a quarter mile beyond that. The mesa has full coverage now so we cruised around looking for more powder and less turbulence. This was not the day to go venturing too far for fear of equipment malfunction, quick onset hypothermia, and an eventual devouring by the last descendants of the Alfred Packer clan. It was one of those days to work on your fundamentals, dial in your systems, and not screw up-
George daffy.jpg
Baldy Cinco posse.jpg
Day 2 was a distinct contrast. From the same rest area at the top of Spring Creek Pass, we headed west to Jarosa Mesa and found blue skies, steady light winds and soft deep inviting powder. Just what we came for! Up went the big kites and we worked up to a knoll with the best aspect and exposure. Soon we were whooping and hollering slashing up the goods and boosting big floaty jumps. This was the day to try any new trick you wanted due to the forgiving landing. Not to mention all the inspiration from the 360 degree views. I'm so stoked that winter is full-on in the San Juans!
Jarosa 12-15-14.pdf
(398.7 KiB) Downloaded 355 times
This screenshot shows Jarosa Mesa in front, Spring Creek Pass on Highway 149, and Snow Mesa beyond. Roadside riding lower down at Rito Hondo Reservoir is also barely visible on the right.

The approaches are all in great condition now with more snow this week.

Dracop, if you're on the FRange or Summit County, your best bet is likely Dillon Reservoir. You can get a water-to-snow lesson from Anton at Colorado Kiteforce that could help with a few snow-specific skills.

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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby rvrrat » Wed Dec 17, 2014 2:36 am

Looks Awesome. Great report too. So jealous. Sounds like you all got both sides and 2 good days. Hope I can get some of that this season. JR

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matthepp
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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby matthepp » Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:36 pm

Yes!!! After weekends of mountain biking in a T-shirt, winter is back! Looks like first the north half of the State got it, and now we southerners are getting the Pineapple Express. Blizzard warnings.FEET of pow at the resorts. 16" to shovel out in my driveway It's so snowy that CAIC can't even keep the website running. Wahoo! Now, how bout some clearing winds...

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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby chris country » Tue Feb 24, 2015 2:24 am

We even got snow in Salida! I haven't ridden once this year and it's killing me. Matt, do you think Rito Hundo area would have enough coverage for riding? I'm just a lowly, snowboarder without a sled and probably can't make it up to any of the epic spots that you guys ride down there. Had some of my best sessions in that valley and have been jonesing to check it this year.
May keep it local if I don't hear anything. Good luck out there!
Chris

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Re: Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

Postby ScottN » Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:33 am

I finally decided to join the forum.
Chris, Taylor Reservoir is looking pretty good for Wednesday if you want to join us. Rito Hondo might be a little scratchy but would probably work. Will let you know next time I head to Snow Mesa.
Scott


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