Snow Consistency

One thing to keep in mind is that in Southern California, the snow consistency can frequently prove to be quite ambiguous. That is to say, it is not at all uncommon for the snow conditions to change from icy to just-right to slushy and everything in between! A passing cloud can cover the sun and cause the snow to harden. Other times the sun may hit certain areas so directly that it turns the snow to mush, making it virtually impossible to ride in. As stated in a previous article, slushy sow is best ridden or passed over with a longer board. I say passed over because when the slush is really bad, you're not really riding, you're just passing. For example, there have been times when my brother, who uses a longer board, will continue on slowly but sure and without too much difficulty, while leaving me behind, and at times forced to remove my bindings and hike passed the plateau while carrying my board in hand. Needless to say, this occurrence is not only inconvenient but downright tiring and annoying and will take away energy that should be used on riding the mountain!