Conditions Report: Atmospheric River
Sledding in Golden is about to get a major reset as an ‘atmospheric river’ of precipitation is about to plow into our mountains and drop copious amounts of snow (50+cms)! In weather geek language, ‘an intense frontal system, is bringing a subtropical feed of moisture and strong southerly winds will shift to an unstable westerly flow as the front passes…’ In sledder dude language this is translated to, ‘you should pin it to Golden for the weekend and probably plan to call in sick on Monday and Tuesday…’
Sledding has been great this week. There was some new snow but not a ton. The parking lots have been cleared and the roads are in good shape but that’s all about to change.
Typically when a big storm hits it takes a couple days for us to get back to normal. Sledders should anticipate snowy parking lots, trail grooming restrictions due to avalanche danger and bad roads. But it’ll all probably be worth it.
New mobile emergency shelter in Gorman…
Weather and Snow
Good Lord Jandice! There’s 50+ cms in the forecast and then it’s going cold and blue… Get out here and call in sick on Monday.
Snow forecast near Quartz screen shot on jan 29
Check out our webcam, weather data (including snowfall) and the local weather forecast on our webcams page: www.sledgolden.com/webcams-and-condition
Here’s a pic of the atmospheric river.
the atmospheric river
Avalanche
With increase snow loads avalanche conditions are sure to get more dangerous. Please play safe.
Screen shot of Purcell avalanche forecast on Jan 29
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
Quartz is anticipating heavy snow this weekend. Expect grooming restrictions due to avalanche danger.
Fire wood has been replenished. Good riding conditions.
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
The best snow in Gorman is below treeline. There wasn’t a lot of visibility this week. Expect heavy snow accumulations this weekend, which will mean grooming restrictions.
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
The snow in Silent has been excellent. Expect heavy snow accumulations this weekend, which will mean grooming restrictions.
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.
Logging operations are ongoing this year and you can expect to drive to the 46km mark this year. 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.
