What Constitutes a Big Dump?

Nope, not going there. It’s too easy. We’re talking about snow, people-blizzards, storms of the century, nor’easters, polar expresses. The kind that puts the whammy on the world, that requires not just digging out the car, but the ski lift, too. And maybe the snowcat.

The heart of the question, I think, is whether a “dump” follows universal standards or regional relativity. I’ve heard people in Vail call six inches a massive dump, an amount that might not even get an Altaholic out of bed. Is it fair to apply Alta standards to Vail? Utah standards to Maine? Mt. Baker standards to anywhere else?

And how much effect should stoke have on the definition? Does snow seem deeper, lighter, brighter, and better when you’re in it, only to fall back to a more measured reality once your boot liners are drying and you’re chilling in your thermals on the couch?

Questions, questions. And I know you have answers, answers.

WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES JUST BY VOTING
This week, one poll participant will receive Smith Optic’s Rockford sunglasses. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) – all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, March 13, at midnight PST.
Congratulations to Dan Murphy, who wins the Smiths this week!

Photo of Portillo, Chile, by Steve Casimiro