Conditions Report: Jan 16 – Spring Blue
Snowmobile conditions in Golden have changed a lot over the course of the last week. We are now in a cycle that feels like spring. There is frozen snow down low and crusty powder up top. The travel is excellent and it’s been good to see the sun. The avalanche conditions look to remain moderate and grooming ops are mostly back to normal after a wild wet storm early in the week. The Suhan race registration is open on Jan 18.
High in Quartz on Jan 15
Checking out conditions in Quartz on Jan 15
Riley Suhan Backcountry Race
MARCH 28, 2026 : SAVE THE DATE! The next RSBR will take place on March 28th, 2026. Registration should be live on Jan 18.
Read the Sleddermag.com Recap Here from 2025.
Snow & Weather
SNOW AND WEATHER
The glorious run of deep pow that we’ve had over the past 7 weeks is finally at an end. Weather patterns have shifted to clear skies and cooler temps. The final blast of precipitation came through pretty warm and while we didn’t get rain or freezing levels to our roof, there is a widespread soft crust layer in the high alpine.
We’ve had 25-30 cms of snow in the past week but the real story is about the temperatures. Temps peaked on Wednesday Jan 14 afternoon and when the cool weather hit the soft snow it settled up.
There’s some nice blue sky and sun in the forecast for the weekend and the snow is great to travel on.
Snow forecast for near Quartz on Jan 16
Avalanche Safety
Avalanche Conditions
Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!
avalanche.ca screen shot forecast on Jan 16
“It remains uncertain how quickly a buried weak layer will recover, especially in areas at upper elevations that don’t have a robust surface crust.” – Avalanche.ca
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
Grooming
Grooming
Grooming ops have been working hard behind the scene repairing cats and keeping things going. We’re mostly back to normal after the big storm earlier in the week. There is a cat that still needs repair in Silent Pass.
Grooming in Gorman on Jan 11
Staging Areas Latest Info
Quartz Creek
Spring like conditions in Quartz.
East Quartz road has been pushed in.
Silent Pass
The Silent cat is down and is scheduled to be fixed in the next few days. This did delay the grooming of the trail.
The upper parking lot can get tight on a busy weekend. Please park in a way that allows others to do what they need to do. If you’re towing a large trailer on a busy weekend and you’re late to arrive, you may want to consider parking on the road at the McMurdo bridge.
