A big dump threatens to pound us all (yee-haw!) here in Mammoth Lakes, California, so organizers of the Chevy Trucks Grand Prix got smart and decided to run things a bit faster today, scooping the entire pipe event into one day as opposed to two. Qualifying heats went down in the morning while the walls were still a bit icy, and the finals, which weren't supposed to run until Friday, broke just as the afternoon sun scorched our backsides.

With three pipes and three parks decorating the slopes, Mammoth certainly lives up to its name. And the elite posse of riders who call this place home (for damn good reason) were definitely the center of attention today. As I mooched some sunflower seeds off a local armed with a camera, he smiled and said, "Sure, you can have some, just don't get in my way when Tommy (Czeschin) comes down." Thanks for the birdseed Homes — you won't even know I'm here.

When Tommy did take his turns, he went bah-big, earning himself 2nd place and a fat paycheck. He stomped just about everything in sight but couldn't take out Boss Ross Powers who was casual about it all. Ross would take his time hiking the pipe, then drop in and launch with style — setting even the biggest airs down with authority. Ross hasn't seen Grand Prix gold since '99 and today must have been super sweet considering he turns a year older Saturday.

Kyle Clancy was quiet but consistent enough to earn the necessary attention from the judges scoping the pipe — he snaked 3rd.

"...although she doesn't compete much, she can still whup some ass when she so desires, and she did..."

As for the ladies, Tricia Byrnes took 1st — were you expecting anything different? Her run began with a big method followed by a high five, only to wrap it all up with more rotation and huge airs. Today she stood on top of the podium yet again and collected her $10,000 for storming the pipe proper. Props to the Grand Prix and all those involved for awarding the women just as much cash as the fellas.

As far as amplitude goes, Kelly Clark is da queen! She threw down huge methods and a royal McTwist to steal 2nd place from a group of hungry women.

In 3rd was Cara-Beth Burnside who proved that although she doesn't compete much, she can still whup some ass when she so desires, and she did.

Today was quite the spectacle — big air, ancient tunes and even grandma and grandpa accompanied the curious locals on the side of the pipe. The differences in generations are always a trip. While one says, "Wow, that was neat," the other curls their lips and mumbles "that was sick."

As the banners were torn down, the pipe was open game and the poachers surfaced, dropping in one after another and boosting out of Mammoth's perfect pipe. Snow is on the way — even the Weather Channel agrees, but that's what worries me. Hopefully we'll all eat face shots for breakfast, amongst other goodies. Big air and snowboard cross are on the way...check back soon.

— Lucas Kane, MountainZone.com Correspondent