|
|
 #1 Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 03/03/2010 @ 17:08 |
   |
|
As posted in resorts and snow conditions:
Hey Hey you guys!
I'm flying out to Calgary in 10 days today and rather excited!
I think this is aimed at stuart, snoangel and those whe are very well informed; What are the conditions actually like at the moment? I've got 19 days to fill before I fly out of vancouver and a 4x4 to keep me company! I have a free bed in jasper and the same in Whistler and Calgary. I'm quite prepared to drive a day or more if it means better conditions for a week... So, where do I go?!
Also, as I'll be on my own, albeit equipped with pip (trannie), probe etc, how easy is it to hook up with a group to get some back-country? This'll be my first time in Canada and I know in france it's usually a matter of a few beers the night before, make friends, demo your pip ability before you set off 1st thing in the morning and voila! Does the same thing happen accross the waters?
Cheers in advance if you have sdvice
Mxxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
| #2 Re: Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 03/03/2010 @ 17:48 |
|
|
| In reply to post #1
... |
As I'm sure you know from reading the reports (and maybe watching the Olympics), we've been having an extraordinarily mild winter here. In the Okanagan, January was the warmest on record (110 years worth of records anyway). The high daytime temps mean that the avalanche risk in the BC Interior has been high or very high for the past several weeks and with a few exceptions we've had little new snow. Having said that, the snow is quite okay at most of the resorts in this neck of the woods (Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, Silver Star and Big White). Kind of spring like but, hey, it beats working!
As with everything weather related, conditions could change overnight although the avalanche risk in the backcountry is likely to remain high unless, by some miracle, we get a cold March. It's good that you have wheels and are willing to follow the snow. In terms of hooking up with people to go into the backcountry, IME the Revelstoke, Nelson and Rossland areas are pretty good for locating like minded people.
You can always try and book some standby days with a cat operator (or heli if your budget allows). There are at least a half dozen choices in this regard in the Monashee and Selkirk mountains alone. A friend and I had several days with Big Red Cats in Rossland in January and had a great time.
Have a great trip! |
|
 |
|
|
Gnarnia, Interior B.C. |
|
|
|
|
|
| #3 Re: Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 03/03/2010 @ 18:47 |
|
|
| In reply to post #2
... |
Yup, I'd head into the interior.... We've recently ridden Sunshine, Kicking Horse and Fernie and everything is just OK.... Rideable, but packed down and slick in places.... Castle has been having some wind-sift, but nothing to go out of your way for IMO.
Any of the pacific storms seem to be hitting as far as Revy, but then heading north... so no luck for the Banff area 
Head down to Rossland/Nelson etc..... Whistler has been getting some sick conditions up in the Alpine, but is subject to the Whistler weather (could be fresh, could be rain!).... Some of the Cat operators have been posting some good conditions too..... No word on Jasper, sorry!
As SS said, Avy risk is high and variable, so pay attention to the bulletins and your gut instinct (i.e. any doubt, dont take the run).
And start praying to Ullr.... it's not unkown for a few feet of snow this time of year!  |
|
|
|
|
|
"If you know all 4 seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter, and Road Construction..... you may be living in Canada!" |
|
|
|
|
|
| #4 Re: Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 04/03/2010 @ 04:47 |
|
|
I'm writing this from Fernie and I can tell you that it's been very warm (+5°C) at the top of the mountain for the last few days. They're talking about precipitation of some sort tonight and if it rains, which is very possible, I'm worried about the lower slopes. The top has a good base which seems to be lasting well but from mid-mountain down there are large patches of slush verging on bare ground.
Saying all that, it's forecast to get colder towards the end of this week and with that and the potential for more snow, this place can be awesome. Keep an eye on the snow reports and I'm sure you'll find some places with plenty of the white stuff!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| #5 Re: Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 04/03/2010 @ 15:47 |
|
|
| In reply to post #4
... |
Oh poo, I am going to Fernie on Saturday.
Really hope conditions improve.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| #6 Re: Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 04/03/2010 @ 16:18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| #7 Re: Conditions in Canada at the moment anyone? Posted 04/03/2010 @ 17:19 |
|
|
| In reply to post #6
... |
Cheers all, it's much appreciated to get some replies
I know that two weeks is a long time for weather conditions, particularly in coastal mountain-ranges, but I'm sure you can imagine/empathise-with my concern...
Rouge  - I'll follow up on your reccommendations
thanks again to all!
Mxxxxxxxx |
|
|
|