Conditions Report: March 6 – Not Bad

Conditions in Golden are holding in the high alpine. There is still fresh pow to be had and softness underneath in the right aspects.  There’s 20-30 cms of snow on the way for the weekend and temps will remain mild. Avalanche conditions have somewhat eased from last week’s SPAW but any new snow will definitely affect stability. Grooming teams are working strong

In other news we’re stoked to announce a $2,500 ProPurse for the Suhan Race! Keep reading to find out more.

Lang on March 6

Gorman Lake on March 6

Quartz on Feb 24

 

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 $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 60% BOOKED!

74 spots registered. 46 spots left… 

Snow & Weather

SNOW AND WEATHER

The last week there was a major warming and that had a significant impact on the snowpack as the warming and freezing clamped down on the softness. We’ve had approximately 10 cms this week of new and the temps have cooled slightly. The best snow is definitely in the high alpine right now and there’s still some good snow to be had. Looks like there is snow on its way but the reports vary on how much to expect.

Silent Pass on March 6

Avalanche Safety

Avalanche Conditions

Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!

Screen shot of Avalanche.ca on March 6

“Continue to choose simple, mellow terrain. Signs of buried weak layers may be hard to find. Be especially cautious on high north and east facing slopes, and steep slopes in the sun.” – March 6 on Avalanche.ca

Travel and Terrain Advice from Feb 6:

  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

Grooming

Grooming

Grooming operations have normalized after the avalanche conditions caused delays on grooming last week. All the trails have seen full grooms since last week’s delays.

flat trail on the Gorman Trial on Feb 6

 

Staging Areas Latest Info

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Compacted main areas - some powder
Grooms scheduled: as needed
Fees: $30/sled
Parking: main parking lot
Additional notes: Main area is compacted. Flat Trail in. Parking lot is cleared. East Quartz trail has been pushed.

Silent Pass

Conditions: packed powder
Grooms scheduled: as needed
Fees: $30/sled
Parking: 31km lot - please do not drive past.
Road: Plowed on Feb 26! Much improved.
Additional notes: Compaction in main areas.

Gorman Lake

Conditions: compacted - still some fresh
Grooms scheduled: As needed moving forward (once a week)
Fees: $30/sled
Parking: 3.5km lower lot
Road: road is nicely gravelled. Call your kms! RR27
Additional notes:

Logging work on the first km of the trail in. Watch for vehicles.

Looks like come January, PWT will have a logging crew and hauling from the West Main road as well so will be maintaining the Dogtooth to the 3.5km lot most of the winter.

KNOW WHERE YOU RIDE

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