Conditions Report: Tasting Good!
The sledding around Golden has been firing lately. We’ve been treated to some great snow and the early season conditions have been blanketed by consecutive power dumps. The good news is that there is still lots left out there and the snow has set up to make for good travel conditions. It’s going to get colder this weekend so back an extra balaclava because the snow might hit you in the face!
It’s been a special week around Golden. A lot of great snow up high.
Quartz on Dec 9, 2017. Photo @TGFG_
Follow cam in Quartz Dec 9.
Quartz Dec 9, @TGFG_
Weather and Snow
There’s a trace of snow in forecast and then cold temps come in and a clearing trend hits.
Screen shot of forecast near Quartz on Dec 11
Check out our webcam, weather data (including snowfall) and the local weather forecast on our webcams page: www.sledgolden.com/webcams-and-condition
Avalanche
Screen shot of Purcell avalanche forecast on Dec 11
screen shot of Glacier NP avalanche forecast on Dec 11
With a lot of new snow the avalanche conditions are bound to get more complex. Please check out avalanche bulletins (https://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/purcells) each time you go.
If you can ride in the mountains you’re probably travelling in avalanche terrain. Please be careful and submit what you see to the MIN Network.
GREAT DEAL!
Prestige Inn has a sledder rate – good all winter. 20% off per night when you book with the code SLED online or call 250-344-7990 and tell them you’re a sledder to get the sled rate.
Travel on Logging Roads
Please observe proper safety on the logging roads. Radio channel in Silent is RR3 (150.140)
Quartz Creek
Quartz has been really good lately. The trail has been in great shape too. Saturday marks the last day to explore beyond Area 51 to the north as our GBRAP agreement with Great Canadian Heliskiing takes effect on Dec 15. Please observe this closure from Dec 15 to April 15 (or until we post here again in the spring).
The cabin and outhouses have been getting regular cleans. There’s some broken glass around the outside deck. Please watch yourself.
PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE PARKS! Don’t sled past a sign and in to the National Park. This seriously impacts our relationship with the Park and our ability to keep areas open and open new areas. We don’t have caribou in Golden, but we are not immune from closures.
Please note that avalanche safety protocols sometimes affect our grooming schedule. Ask the gate staff in the morning about the last groom.
Gorman Lake
The trail in to Gorman is pretty good. The sledding above is still thin. The parking lot is good for trailers.
Please be aware of active logging on the road. The Radio Channel is RR27 or 151.37
Silent Pass
Silent has been deep. There’s still spots to get it real good.
Please keep in mind there is active logging taking place very near to the parking lot. Please do not follow the plowed road to the “end” or park in signed no-parking areas. Riding a snowmobile on a plowed road is illegal, so if you can’t snag a spot in the lot drop off your sled and park elsewhere, don’t ride on the road.
Logging operations are ongoing this year and you can expect to drive to the 46km mark this year. That means you must have a VHS Radio in your vehicle to travel down the active logging road. Check out our video on logging road etiquette here. The Radio Channel is RR3 or 150.140.
