Conditions Report: The Hits Keep Coming
What can we say but the hits keep coming. Sledding has been awesome lately in Golden because a bunch of little storms keep adding up and blowing areas in again and again. Temps have kept the snow quite preserved. There’s been some warm days in the alpine but also some cold ones. There’s a little snow and a little sun in the forecast so it should be a great weekend.
There’s been some great sledding conditions as of late. The little storms keep piling up and with a bit of wind have made some areas really nice day after day.
TJ makes some sweet turns in Gorman area on Feb 22, 2020. Pic: TGFG
Riley Suhan letting loose on Feb 15 in some powder. Pic: TGFG
Weather and Snow
There’s 6 cms in the forecast but with a little wind, that can load things up nicely.
Snow forecast for near Quartz on Feb 26
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)
- Shooting cracks, whumphs and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Screen shot of avalanche forecast for the Purcells on Feb 26
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)
Big Announcement!
Our new Mobile Emergency Shelter in Gorman.
We have a neat announcement! Our new DFD mobile emergency-shelter has been moved into Gorman. This is a permanent structure that will be moved frequently. Read more about it
Trail Area Conditions Reports
Quartz Creek
Quartz has seen the most traffic but it also gets the most attention. The parking lots are cleared, the fire wood is stocked in the sea can and there’s propane for the BBQ. There’s a steady stream of happy visitors every day.
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
There is now active logging up to the 9 km mark at Gorman. The road is plowed to the upper lot now too.
Gorman is in good shape. There has been a lot of wind lately so you can expect scouring and loading in pockets. The alpine bowls have been amazing.
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
Great conditions at Silent lately. The best riding has been in the trees.
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.
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.
