Conditions Report: Spring In December

We hope you’ve been enjoying spring! We’ve had a number of sunny days lately with the alpine temps being warmer than the valley bottom.   This has been good weather for exploring and sight seeing but there hasn’t been a lot of snowfall lately. The weather has also  allowed some wild surface hoar to grow around treeline and below, which is always something we look for as a contributor to instability in the snowpack once new snow arrives.

The good news is that the groomed trails are in good shape. Generally colder temps down low mean the trails haven’t whooped up as much as they do when it’s warm.

 

Here’s a great video from Dec. 11 that Hope-fully gets you excited to come sled Golden.

Large surface hoar growing in the sub alpine. Pic by Mountain Motorsports Dec 11, 2017

Large surface hoar growing in the sub alpine. Pic by Mountain Motorsports Dec 11, 2017

Enjoying the view. Photo by Kayli Dentman. Dec 12, 2017

Enjoying the view. Photo by Kayli Dentman. Dec 12, 2017

Member Cards

Riley Suhan picking up his member card with Riley Suhan on it.

Riley Suhan picking up his member card with Riley Suhan on it.

Your member card will be ready to pick up at whichever gate you choose to go to. If you purchased your membership online we’ll have your name and it will be simple matter of having you sign our waiver and picking up your card.    

Weather and Snow

Snow and weather forecast near Quartz Creek. 20 cms forecast in the next week.

Snow and weather forecast near Quartz Creek. 20 cms forecast in the next week.

Avalanche Safety

While hazards are  moderate right now, please continually check  http://www.avalanche.ca/ if you choose to venture out. You can always consider an avalanche safety course  if the pow is pounded out.

Purcell Avalanche Conditions on Dec 13

Purcell Avalanche Conditions on Dec 13

 

Road Safety

Using a VHF radio on active logging roads is an essential part of having a safe day. Please watch our road safety video to learn more.

Economic Impact Study

Don’t be surprised if you are asked to fill out a survey at one of our trail heads. We are conducting an Economic Impact Study in the next few weeks. We’re hopeful the results of this study will help us apply for more grants to continue to make snowmobiling infrastructure better. Thank you for your patience.

Economic Impact Study questions being asked in all 3 managed areas. Photo @sledbigilnes

Economic Impact Study questions being asked in all 3 managed areas. Photo @sledbigilnes

Avalanche Training
Hey you! Get educated. For real, this isn’t a joke, playing the mountains can literally be a matter of life or death. Please get yourself educated before you venture into the backcountry.

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https://www.facebook.com/events/1951931821796492

Hangfire Winter 2017-18 Schedule

http://hangfiretraining.com/  

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Early season conditions. Mostly packed out.
Grooms scheduled: December 14,16,17
Fees: $25
Parking: Please park at main lot. The parking lot is cleared of snow.
Road: Watch for ice on the trail
Additional notes:

The initial few kms of groomed trail are thin snow. There are also few icy spots on the trail so cautious you don’t approach a corner too fast. Please also sled cautiously and be aware of other groups, including dog sleds mid-week or late in the day. A bunch of firewood was moved on to the cabin deck on Nov 29.

 

Gorman Lake

Conditions: Early season hazards. Thin snow on wind swept ridges.
Grooms scheduled: Dec 13, Dec 16
Fees: $25
Parking: Park at the "upper" (12 km) lot.
Road: Sanded the icy road on Dec 8. DRIVE SLOW and consider chains. It's drivable but take your time.
Additional notes: Gorman has been groomed to the top and the trail is in good condition. Please use caution and watch for early season hazards above the trail. There are some big rocks under there that take a while to cover well.

Silent Pass

Conditions: No fresh snow in a while means less pow. Long ride in and last few km is "expert only"
Grooms scheduled: Full groom - full drag all the way, completed on Dec 13. Next groom is scheduled for Dec 21.
Fees: $25
Parking: Parking at 21km.
Road: Road to the 21km is pretty polished up. DRIVE SLOW!
Additional notes: Trail is in good shape. The snow in the alpine is firm from wind warm/cold temps.

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