Conditions Report: Feb 6 – Cold and Clear

February 9, 2025

An amazing snow reset went through Golden BC in the past week and it left 40-50 cms of white bounty on the ground. After the snow left the temps have dipped again and there looks like mostly cold and clear conditions for the next week. Avalanche conditions look to be moderate and the grooming operations are working to keep all the trails flat.

Feb 3 in Quartz

Quartz Parking Lot info – Updated…

Equipment moved out on Jan 30th on the highway logging project.

Quartz parking look with no trees on Feb 3.

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.

REGISTER HERE!

42 spots registered. 78 spots left…

Snow & Weather

SNOW AND WEATHER

KHMR reported 40 cms in the past week! Now we’re back into the deep freeze for temps. The good news is that a full reset of snow happened so all the usual spots filled back up. We’re now back to exploring mode.

Snow forecast screen shot

KHMR weekly snow report

Pow in Quartz on Feb 3

Avalanche Safety

Avalanche Conditions

Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!

Advice from Avalanche.ca on Feb 9: “Look for areas where the surface snow is soft and avoid areas where the surface snow feels dense or “slabby“. Heavy triggers, like icefall or a cornice could produce large natural avalanches.”

Screen shot of avalanche.ca on Feb 9

Travel and Terrain Advice from Feb 9:

Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Grooming

Grooming in Quartz, Gorman and Silent trails is ongoing on an as-needed maintenance. The cold temps have been keeping the trails in excellent shape.

Silent Seacan Shelter installed at the end of the Silent Pass trail.

Quartz cabin on Jan 8th night. Photo by Mark Abbot.

Staging Areas Latest Info

Quartz Creek

Conditions: powder and packed powder

Grooms scheduled: As needed

Fees: $30/sled

Parking: main parking lot

Additional notes: Good riding. Flat Trail. Parking lot is cleared. East Quartz trail has been pushed.

Silent Pass

Conditions: powder and packed powder

Grooms scheduled: as needed.

Fees: $30/sled

Parking: 31km lot - please do not drive past.

Road: road has been plowed. Log hauling activity Use a radio to call you kms. RR3

Additional notes:

Good riding. Compaction in main areas. Still some powder if you search.

dress warm

Gorman Lake

Conditions: packed powder

Grooms scheduled: As needed moving forward (once a week)

Fees: $30/sled

Parking: 3.5km lower lot

Road: road can be icy! Call your kms! RR27

Additional notes:

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.