Conditions Report: Feb 20 – Let’s Go Snow
There’s a system of low pressure fronts marching their way across Golden this week and with them will come some warmer temps and some sweet precipitation. This week is all about planning your attack to match the weather patterns and get as much snow as you can get. The grooming crew is ready and operations continue to keep the trails smooth. Avalanche conditions remain moderate and low but those can change in an instant when the new snow comes.
Cirque on Feb 19
Gorman Lake on Feb 19
Cirque on Feb 19
Inside Cirque on Feb 19
Riley Suhan Backcountry Race
On April 5, 2025 the Golden Snowmobile Club will once again host the Riley Suhan Backcountry Race, one of the best events in all of snowmobiling! This unique mountain race traverses a large loop of the Quartz Creek riding zone in Golden BC and is executed in a timed, relay format. For 2025, on top of the normal race that combines the times of a randomly chosen, 4 person team, we will have an additional pro-level race with a special prize purse on a more challenging course. We’re sorting out the details of this pro race but be assured that the idea is for it to be awesome for both spectators and participants alike. Entry to the second pro race will require some sort of qualifying that we will determine before the event; it may likely be the top 10-20 times of the first lap are invited to try the second, more challenging lap, for a separate prize purse. We will announce the specifics as we iron them out.
OVER 50% BOOKED!
65spots registered. 55 spots left…
Snow & Weather
SNOW AND WEATHER
The past week we’ve received approx 10 cms of snow. It looks like there’s another 25-30 cms in the forecast. The temps will vary as the storms hit. It looks like it’ll be above 0 at the valley bottoms at moments but the alpine seems like the freezing level will hold.
screen shot from Avalanche.ca on Feb 20
Snow forecast screen shot for near Quartz on Feb 20
storm approaching Quartz Lake on Feb 19
Avalanche Safety
Avalanche Conditions
Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!
“Low danger doesn’t mean no danger. Even a small avalanche above a terrain trap can have a high consequence.” – Feb 20
There was a fatal avalanche near Golden this week. It’s a sober reminder that there is always danger, no matter what. Our deepest condolences to those affected by this accident.
screen shot of Avalanche.ca on Feb 20 at 12:36pm
Travel and Terrain Advice from Feb 20:
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn’t formed a slab.
- Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Grooming
Grooming
Grooming in Quartz, Gorman and Silent trails is ongoing on an as-needed maintenance. Remember, warmer weather will make whoops must faster than cold temps.
Silent Seacan Shelter installed at the end of the Silent Pass trail.
Staging Areas Latest Info
Quartz Creek
Silent Pass
Good riding. Lots of snow left. Compaction in main areas.
The road in is rough. Drive will be slow.
Gorman Lake
Logging work on the first km of the trail in. Watch for vehicles.
Looks like come January, PWT will have a logging crew and hauling from the West Main road as well so will be maintaining the Dogtooth to the 3.5km lot most of the winter.
