Conditions Report: Answers in the Wind
Golden BC is set for another weekend of amazing sledding. There’s 25cms of snow in the forecast which means that it will be another reset of powder in our bowls. This week past we had a lot of wind and avalanche forecasts have increased in severity. Please travel with caution.
Man it’s been good out there! I think we can officially claim this as ‘the best winter ever’ (in recent memory at least)!
Gieff Jefferson finding the sweet spot in Quartz on March 2, 2020. Pic TGFG
Gieff Jefferson finding the sweet spot in Quartz on March 2, 2020. Pic TGFG
Weather and Snow
There’s 25 cms in the forecast and then it’s going blue!
Weather and snow forecast near Quartz Creek on March 4.
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)
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Shooting cracks, whumphs and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
- Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Screen shot of avalanche forecast on Mar 4. for the Purcell range.
Screen shot of avalanche forecast for Glacier National Park on Mar 4
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. There is limited firewood in the cabin right now… we’re currently sourcing more.
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. The best snow is at treeline.
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.
Parking is still at the 46km -past the Mcmurdo bridge at Silent this weekend.
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.
