Conditions Report: March 20 – March Madness

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 $2500+ 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 placing in the top 30 of the main race. The pro race will have a more challenging lap that is slightly longer than the main race. We will announce more specifics as we iron them out.

We will have a new start/finish location in 2025 – Cabin Valley!  Head left past the cabin and you’ll be able to see the set-up.  This will give better spectating for everybody at the start/finish area, including Dr. Poz who was really feeling left out in past years.

REGISTER HERE!

OVER 79% BOOKED!

95 spots registered. 25 spots left… 

SNOW AND WEATHER

The snow has changed a lot this week but one thing that is certain, there’s been a lot of it lately. The winds are starting to have their way and the storm snow is changing to be wind affected. As usual, the best snow is in the trees where pockets of fresh remain deep. The alpine has good traction. Looks like it’s going to warm up after the weekend so this is the time to get out.

Pow on Mar 17

20+cms in the snow-forecast.com page

East Quartz/Lang traverse on Mar 20

Avalanche Conditions

Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!

screen shot of Avalanche.ca on Mar 20

“Human-triggered avalanches are likely.Choose conservative terrain and regroup in safe spots.” – March 20 on Avalanche.ca

Travel and Terrain Advice from March 20:

• Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
• Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don’t let good riding lure you into complacency.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche debris observed in East Quartz on Mar 20

Avalanche debris observed near the Gorman Holt col on Mar 20

Avalanche crown that propagated 350+m in Quarts on Mar 10

Grooming

Grooming operations will be affected by the the avalanche conditions. We can only groom when it it safe to do so.

Silent Warming Shelter