Conditions Report: Back to Normal

Snowmobiling conditions are pretty great in Golden BC these days. There has been a constant flow of small snowfalls that have kept things really nice. The pow may not be bottomless anymore but it’s turned silky smooth and the traction is amazing. There’s 14cms of snow forecast through to Sunday, the temps are nice and really, there’s no excuses that are worthy enough to not make it out here.

There’s been good snow but the beauty sunlight has been hit or miss. Still, we can’t complain. This year has been awesome.

Pow in Quartz on Feb 10, 2020

Pow in Quartz on Feb 10, 2020

Weather and Snow

14 cms of snow by Sunday. We’ll take it!

Screen shot of forecast near Quartz on Feb 12

Screen shot of forecast near Quartz on Feb 12

Check out our webcam, weather data (including snowfall) and the local weather forecast on our webcams page:  www.sledgolden.com/webcams-and-condition

Avalanche

Travel and Terrain Advice (as copied from Avalanche.ca)

    • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
    • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
    • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

screen shot of Avalanche.ca Purcell forecast on Feb 12, 2020.

screen shot of Avalanche.ca Purcell forecast on Feb 12, 2020.

Screen shot of Avalanche.ca forecast for the Purcells on Feb 5, 2020

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.

Travel on Logging Roads

Please observe proper safety on the logging roads. Radio channel in Silent is RR3 (150.140)

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Packed powder
Grooms scheduled: Wednesday (12), Friday (14), Saturday (15), Sunday (16), Monday (17)
Fees: $25
Parking: cleared
Road: n/a
Additional notes:

Quartz has been great this week and will continue to be. The parking lots are cleared, the fire wood is stocked in the sea can and there’s propane for the BBQ.

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

Conditions: Best snow is in the trees
Grooms scheduled: Tuesday (11), Saturday (15), Monday (17)
Fees: $25
Parking: 4 km (lower) parking lot.
Road: Road is in good shape - Radio RR27 / 151.37
Additional notes:

Gorman is in good shape. There has been a lot of wind lately so you can expect scouring and loading in pockets.

Please be aware of active logging on the road. The Radio Channel is RR27 or 151.37

Please note that avalanche safety protocols sometimes affect our grooming schedule. Ask the gate staff in the morning about the last groom.

Silent Pass

Conditions: Powder where others haven't tracked it out.
Grooms scheduled: Wednesday (12), Saturday (15), Monday (17)
Fees: $25
Parking: 46km - Do not park where it is posted no parking. From Feb 17 onward expect to park at the 27km.
Road: Please use radios on FSR. Channel is RR3 (150.140) - Logging trucks have been driving FAST!
Additional notes:

Great conditions at Silent lately.

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.

*HEADS UP* Logging operations are scheduled to stop on Feb 17 this year and you can expect to park at the 27km after this date. . 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.

Please note that avalanche safety protocols sometimes affect our grooming schedule. Ask the gate staff in the morning about the last groom.

Westbench Trail

Conditions: really good
Grooms scheduled: Thursday (13)
Fees: $25
Parking: Gorman or Quartz
Road: n/a
Additional notes: WBT is in excellent condition. Now is the time to ride it.

Old Man

Conditions: tracked powder
Grooms scheduled: Thursday (13)
Fees: $25
Parking: Quartz
Road: n/a
Additional notes: Snowboarders have been using it heavily.

East Quartz

Conditions: packed powder
Grooms scheduled: Thursday (13)
Fees: $25
Parking: Quartz
Road: N/A
Additional notes: A bit played out in the trees.

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