ADK BC Conditions

BRLKED wrote

This year we take what is offered and just breathe.

At the cabin, 1900, got an inch or two of snow on top of what SEEMS like a forgivable crust. We'll see how it goes in the dark.  Got to give the fire some time before I head out.

A very forgiving and plyable crust with an inch of velvet on it.


If I can ski lower yellow in the dark it should be game on in the light of day. Maybe Sunday.

What are you using for a torch Harv?

I've got this beast I was using for night MTB on my helmet that I've been meaning to try but there never seems to be any snow at home for night skiing.

Last year I used a tiny 40 lumen (or so) lightweight headlamp and I could see pretty good.  This other one should be like turning on the sun.

Black Diamond something or other. Linc gave it to me as a present, not sure what it is. Nicest brightest one I've used.

No model number on it that I can see.



EDIT: found the box. Revolt 130 lumens.

Do you feel it's powerful enough?

My bike light is claimed 550.

http://www.magicshine.com/ShowProduct.aspx?id=96

I might have to wear shaded goggles with it on the snow

Old Forge area, Black River Wild Forest.  Conditions:  Variable.  Snow depth 12"+ in most areas, some spots windswept or scratchy near the Hemlocks.  Kind of crusty with light powder over top.  Best spots had about 4" of really buttery powder over a solid, but not so icy base.



Skins?  We don't need no stinkin' skins!

FYI guys, I've been using a Petzl Myo XP, an older model with a max light output of 150 lumens, and a regular long duration output of 85 lumens.  I've found it perfectly adequate for night skiing, both XC trail skiing and yoyo turn earning in the backbush and poaching the local ski hill on dawn patrols.  That being said, snow cover sure helps any ambient light...

Mtbing is another matter, my go to handlebar mounted light is rated at 450 lumens.. And it here are times I wish I had two, one to leave on as a spot beam, the other as a flood..

Harvey wrote

Looks like the limited edition BlackDiamond Mr Fusion personal nuclear reactor torch.

Telemark Dave wrote

Mtbing is another matter, my go to handlebar mounted light is rated at 450 lumens.. And it here are times I wish I had two, one to leave on as a spot beam, the other as a flood..

I'm using two... it's tits.  2000 lumen bar mount with the 550 helmet.  The combo works GREAT.  Even thought helmet is relatively wimpy compared to the bar light, it gives you the up close definition to see bumps and whoops, rocks and roots, etc.  This mainly due to aiming.  The bar light aims straight out, the headlamp light aims more down and front.

Despite all this I still think night MTB is the hardest thing ever.  I don't know why, I can see great where I'm looking.  Something to do with spacial awareness and balance?

My 550 turns down quite a bit, if it's too bright, I'll use a lower setting.

Holy chit I tought I was rockin the lumens. You guys are bad ass wit yo lumens.

The Lumen specs are ridiculous.
Most of these High output lamps use the Cree XM-L T6 LED which is rated at 1000 Lumens max. When the Magic Shine first came out that is what it was rated at. Then the Lumen wars started. The Magic Shine is now rated at 2000 Lumens and there are flashlights out there stating 3000 lumens. But guess what, they all still have the same LED which is only capable of 1000 lumens. In China - anything goes...

^Very nice

Light rain, 40s in western Adirondacks today.  Not good.   

Just when it looks like it could get good with a half foot or two... frig!

Week long forecast I read looks pretty grim.  My plan is to ride a lift next Sunday (for the first time in like 5 years)... if there's still even any man made.

I skied lower yellow in the dark on my xcdgt's and it was pretty doable and fun. 2 inches of cheese on cement.  

Usually if I can do lower yellow in the dark. I can ski it all in the daylight.

In our SoAdk woods today at around 1900 feet...


...very thin, but very fun skiing today. Hardly bottomed out much at all.

Tracked it up.

anyone been on bennies / marcy lately?

Better than expected







Also played around with a helmet cam and made this little edit:
https://vimeo.com/157958496

Adirondack Backcountry Skiing, 3-6-2016 from John Pikus on Vimeo.

Nice JPP - May I ask where that was? Maybe there will be some leftovers this weekend..and maybe soft.

Recommend taking this to PM.