Kite-o-rado Snowkite Conditions

[soplo]

Yes! That was the most fun I’ve had in a while, and a trip that I’ll not forget. Kiting, campfire, and everything else. Thanks for nudging me to use the big (for me) kite — as usual, you guys were right — and thanks for everybody with a machine. I owe beers for the gas/maintenance. The resolution on those drone shots is impressive. The tiny specks turn into kiters when you enlarge and zoom in. Shows how big the place is too. I’d love to go back!
-Justin

[PDCK]

Couldn t make it for the Groundhog Day Kite Invasion, glad you guys had fun.
I went to Lizard, and had a good 2 hours on 8m. Snow was a bit hard from the wind, but wind was very good till the storm kicked in.

Then yesterday, an other nuking South day, i finally went for the North land of Miramauii. There is soo much terrain, lots of very fun creek beds and hills. There was almost no snow left on the reservoir itself, due to the heavy winds.
I arrived a bit late and had only 40 min on my 8m till i could not hold it anymore. Got too lazy to go inflate the 5m.

Just coming back from Lizard now, was 6m kinda weather, but very S, not much W component unfortunately, making it super gusty from above the trees.
About 40 min of fun.

Now waiting for the refill!!!!

[br44]

Then yesterday, an other nuking South day, i finally went for the North land of Miramauii. There is soo much terrain, lots of very fun creek beds and hills. There was almost no snow left on the reservoir itself, due to the heavy winds.

Which reservoir is that? Couldn't find "Miramauii".

[ScottN]

Thanks for the pictures Matt, great kiting weekend. Johnny and I will probably go to Taylor Res. or Union Park (near Taylor) Wednesday. Maybe take a recon mission to Saguache Park, Salt House, on Thursday to see how much snow is down there. Chris? Blue Mesa is probably a safer bet for Thursday but could be a fun trip.
Scott

[chris country]

Scott, did you guys score today? It looked windy around a large part of the state. I wish I had gone to Taylor park as I didn't have to sleep too late to recover from my night shift and would have had time. I'm going to Blue Mesa or Creede tomorrow for sure.

[matthepp]

Br44, miramaui is our euphemistic moniker for miramonte reservoir south of norwood.

Chris, I'll bet that Blue Mesa will blow like stink tomorrow. Could be a good day to park at the dam and do a downwinder damn near all the way to Gunny, then hitch back.

Scott, I too look forward to hearing about your recon.
Cheers, Matt

[soplo]

Matt, what does 'blow like stink' mean — gusty, too strong, or something else? Looks like a straight west wind, and I was halfway considering going, but couldn't. For next time (Monday looks similar but less gusty), I'm curious what to watch out for at BM.

FWIW, I slightly prefer the east end because there's no ice (after last summer, at least). I know... it's freezing, but I feel a little better on solid ground. That said, your story about the guy who fell through and somehow made it to his car was encouraging, but I hope I never have to try that.

[matthepp]

Blowing like stink means 9m, for me. Blowing like stink means I'll probably have a couple of pucker moments when I might suck in the ass end of my Gore-tex shell pants while riding out a short squall. But it's worth it to be lit up all day! Anything west will be good. Bay of chickens was totally frozen safe last Sunday. Probably the whole lake is good based on the number of guys out there who clearly hate their wives so miss that they are willing to stand there looking down a hole in the ice in fifteen below morning temps.

Tom L and I had a pretty lousy day on Lizard Head right after Mickey. The wind would roll in in packets of swirly snow devils, then die, then repeat. This was clearly not blowing like stink. This was borderline dog ballz.

Nonetheless, my kids have D Squad Saturday so I'll be back up there for more.

[chris country]

Hey dudes, made it over to Blue Mesa today and sure enough it was nuking...or "blowing like stink". I'm only 155 lbs. but I too like to be lit in the deep stuff so I put up my 9m. It was about 12:30 and super rowdy with winds from 15-30 and I could have been going on my 6m I'm fairly certain. Anyway, I had my doubts driving around the lake to the Iola site, not due to the wind but the terrain looked a little lame. Wrong I was! I crossed the lake and found a few little gullies with small cornices and proceded to slash the crap out of them while working back and forth. The lake even had a nice 7 foot high lip where the lake met the hill and I would work the length of it for maybe 100 yards slashing it up like a natural 1/4 pipe. The lake probably has a good foot or more of snow on it and the hills off the lake were up to 2 ft. in spots. By far the best day I've had this year and I can't wait to hit it again! I'll dump a couple photos off my phone tomorrow. Cheers.

[Anthonyshopguy]

Heading out on machines Saturday to check out some back areas of the Grand Mesa. 11.00 am Mesa top parking lot. For the Snowmobilers. Two sleds going I'm willing to tow a second person in.