Notch Effect: the downside

[Cannonball]

Gotta love the notches for snowfall. But man can they suck for wind. Right now the weather stations N, S, E, and W of Cannon all show relatively light winds. Here in Lincoln (close enough to see Cannon) there isn't a breath of a wind, smoke is lazily drifting straight up out of the chimney. Yet Cannon is on 100% wind hold. Franconia Notch is one giant funnel, concentrating even the slightest South wind into gale forces. Damn you Bernoulli!!!

 

[riverc0il]

The real kick in the pants for these storms is when they bring snow out of the south. I've gone to Cannon during similar tracks during which Loon got beaucoup snow and Cannon got sleet and general nastiness along with the wind. Never fun to expect half a foot and get wet instead.

 

[neil]

In Lincoln right now. Plan was to go to cannon. Game planning what to do. Of course, I'm with someone who despises loon and does not want to go there!

 

[Cannonball]

In Lincoln right now. Plan was to go to cannon. Game planning what to do. Of course, I'm with someone who despises loon and does not want to go there!

Wait, are you with me?? I'm heading out to take a walk with the dog. Beats Loon.....

 

[2knees]

Is loon the okemo of NH?

 

[riverc0il]

Is loon the okemo of NH?

I figured Sunapee would be the Loon of NH, guilty by association. :lol:

Actually, I still haven't skied Sunapee so I can't compare.

I can't think of any mountain in NH that compares to Okemo. Loon is a superior mountain compared to Okemo, IMO.

 

[2knees]

I would agree that no mountain can compare to okemo. An area that size completely void of any steepness is actually hard to fathom. I was thinking more in the way people perceive them. Everyone kinda dislikes them but they are often crowded...

 

[wa-loaf]

I would agree that no mountain can compare to okemo. An area that size completely void of any steepness is actually hard to fathom. I was thinking more in the way people perceive them. Everyone kinda dislikes them but they are often crowded...

Until the other weekend I had no idea how huge the condo stock is at Loon.

 

[2knees]

The mansions by south peak are unreal. I took the shuttle a few weeks ago and it brings you through the gated community. 1% ers for sure

 

[deadheadskier]

I would agree that no mountain can compare to okemo. An area that size completely void of any steepness is actually hard to fathom. I was thinking more in the way people perceive them. People who kill it on skiing message boats kinda dislike them but they are often crowded...

fix'd

 

[2knees]

You know I like okemo. I'm not a huge loon fan for skiing there myself but the kids love it

And sorry for the hijack

 

[deadheadskier]

good cruising and low angle seeded bumps at Okmoe. I have fun there.

Haven't skied Loon since the 80s. Need to get back there

 

[Cannonball]

Actually, that was a unwarranted dig by me to start this whole thing. I bet Loon is skiing great today and people are enjoying their day on the slopes a whole lot more than I'm enjoying my day sitting at the computer working.

I was just PO'd that Cannon is closed today, I only had about 2 hours available, and I wasn't forking over $78 bucks for that at Loon. Loon has it's upsides. But yeah, they are the same upsides Okemo has......

 

[EPB]

Wildcat had heavy winds today and the Summit Quad was on wind hold. I pulled into the parking lot and considered turning back to Attitash. As I went to pull my boot bag out of the trunk, I realized that I left it back at my parents' place in Bartlett.

I headed back to grab my boots and spent the day at Attitash to find no wind at all. I even rode up the lift with some people who decided to turn back to Attitash to avoid the wind-hold situation at the Cat altogether. The "Notch Effect" can be unfortunate sometimes, but just think, if the state ever decides to lease cannon, they might get bought out by Boyne resorts and you won't have to pay $78 to ski Loon on days like today .

 

[threecy]

The wind was all but gone at Cannon by lunch time. The sun came out at 1 PM. Barely a breath of wind on the summit tower at 2 PM. About an inch of new, wet snow that was being poached by "refugee" skinners.

 

[St. Bear]

I definiyely noticed the wind driving by Cannon at 7. I was nervous going to Sun River, but no wind issues at all.

 

[Cannonball]

The wind was all but gone at Cannon by lunch time. The sun came out at 1 PM. Barely a breath of wind on the summit tower at 2 PM. About an inch of new, wet snow that was being poached by "refugee" skinners.

How is that possible? I heard it was highly illegal to hike up there.

 

[threecy]

How is that possible? I heard it was highly illegal to hike up there.

Apparently it's selective enforcement. I'm going to venture a guess that there were a dozen or more skinners up there yesterday afternoon.

 

[riverc0il]

Apparently it's selective enforcement. I'm going to venture a guess that there were a dozen or more skinners up there yesterday afternoon.

Actually, its never enforced. I've never heard of anyone being asked not to skin.

 

[Abubob]

When its so windy at Cannon why does it seem so calm at Mittersill?