In the early morning hours, off-piste terrain such as nancy’s, sugar bowl, and the gated areas below mt. Lincoln will be closed to start the day, giving the snow surface time to warm up.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom as temps rise, patrol will assess the conditions, then drop the lines so you can catch that perfect window of 'corn snow'. In order to prevent deep ruts, patrol will be closing those sections, later in the day, to allow the sun to “bake” the snow and reset for it next round of velvety corn snow.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

This elusive snow is actually very desirable and often falls in the “hero snow” category, but it can be hard to time. It is generally found in the spring when freeze/melt cycles affect the snow.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom large grains of snow freeze together overnight, then they loosen as the sun warms them during the day. Corn refers to the snow during the time window when it has become soft and forgiving, but not too wet and slushy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in other words, it’s the “goldilocks” of snow—not too hard, not too soft, but just right.

Spring conditions are ever changing and deserve awareness.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom ski or ride too early and you may find yourself on an undesirable and icy slope. Come too late, and you could find the snow to be overly slushy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the key to a good corn harvest is all about timing. True corn snow is caused by snow that has gone through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. As the snow warms up, the bonds between the snow grains begin to melt, leading to a wonderful snow surface.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom for a short period, true corn can be just as good as our old friend powder. Click here to learn more about the science behind corn snow and spring conditions.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Our reports are scientific! At the start of the 2016-17 ski season, scientists at the university of nevada, reno and sugar bowl partnered to study regional weather and the impacts of climate change in the northern sierra by way of installation of three weather stations.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the installation provides important weather-related information to the public via the national weather service, US forest service and sierra avalanche center, and provides us with important and accurate data for use in our daily snow reporting and ski patrol operations.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

We check and report the snow stakes every 12 hours at 530 AM/PM every day. We have four separate snow stakes, a 12 hour total, a 24 hour total, a system dump and a base depth reading.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the 12 and 24 hour stakes are cleared respectively at those times, the system dump is cleared once that storm cycle has passed, which can sometimes be upwards of a week.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom for measurements posted to the sugar bowl website, we utilize the 12 hour stakes only, as snow settles throughout the day on the 24 hour and storm stakes.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

We have two snow reporters on site; they take turns every morning to ensure the snow reports are sent out by 6AM. You can read their daily "snow reporter's notes" on our conditions page of the site.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these same numbers are used by our ski patrol plus provided to sierra avalanche center, national weather service, US forest service and other agencies for study and analysis.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

No. To ensure complete accuracy, we double and triple check our totals every morning. We record what we see on the stakes, no more, no less. Even if there is high-wind and we know the snow has blown off the stake we only report what we see.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if there is ever a question, we will consult with ski patrol to make sure they are seeing the same numbers.

Weather patterns vary greatly in the region.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the sierra crest where we sit generally receives the most snowfall thanks to orographic lifting, where an air mass is forced from a low elevation to a higher elevation as it moves over rising terrain.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom as the air mass gains altitude it quickly cools down, which can increase the relative humidity to 100%, essentially squeezing snow from the clouds.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom additionally, all resorts take measurements from different elevations. The elevation where the snow levels begin can drastically impact snow totals on any given storm.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The powder cam sits in a wind-affected area and as such, it is not used for official measurement. Many times the powder cam can give you a great sense for the snow depths which is why the infamous boot sits out there to provide context.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom also, note that the sugar bowl logo in view is 16" tall, so if the logo is buried it's going to be a great day.