Conditions Report: Jan 30 – Snow On The Way
After a long dry spell we’re excited to see some flakes in the forecast. Looks like approx 25cm is forecast by the end of the weekend and that will add some much needed softness to our main areas. It looks like the weekend is the time to get after it because the cold is coming back with a vengeance early next week. Grooming operations are business as usual and our trails are in great shape. Avalanche conditions have jumped to Considerable and there’s an important update from Avalanche.ca about Shifting Your MindSet. There’s 42 registered racers for the Riley Suhan Backcountry Race!
Quartz Parking Lot info – Updated…
Equipment moved out on Jan 30th on the highway logging project. Sounds like it is back to normal at the Quartz parking lot, there is just a lot less trees.
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.
42 spots registered. 78 spots left…
Snow & Weather
SNOW AND WEATHER
KHMR reported 4 cms in the past week and it’s been mostly blue sky recently. The mornings and valley bottoms have been cold with some inversions with warmer temps in the alpine. As mentioned in the intro, there’s 25 cms in the forecast over the weekend and this will be a welcome change. Temps will ‘warm’ up while the snow is here but it looks like another deep freeze is on its way after the snow; this weekend is definitely looking like the time to get after it.
Avalanche Safety
Avalanche Conditions
Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!
From Avalache.ca on Jan 30 for Dogtooth Range area: “The incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger. Reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day. It’s time to step back. Check out the new Forecaster Blog “Shifting your Mindset” ”
Travel and Terrain Advice from Jan 30:
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Grooming
Staging Areas Latest Info
Quartz Creek
Silent Pass
Good riding. Compaction in main areas. Still some powder if you search.