2017 / 2018 Valemount Conditions and Updates

[Jsymes]

I was with the guy who got buried.

We have been sledding for years but were not that familiar with allen creek. I really wish we had ridden past the sign or knew about that hills reputation. But we didn't. We dropped in through the trees directly across the creek at the bottom of the valley and did not see the sign or get a good respect for the hill from that angle.

Anyways, we decided to get to a better spot before stopping and having lunch. On the way up my buddy took a poke at the hill, and you guys can figure out the rest. The snow made it abundantly clear that was stupid, so please anybody reading this learn from our mistakes. There was already a few tracks from that morning on the hill so somebody out there got away with it. Not that it matters but he was wearing the tether too, it just broke away during the slide.

We did not buy lotto tickets... figured we have already won. Really appreciate everybody who helped us out that afternoon, you wont catch us on terrain like that ever again.

Solid response, kudos to you for responding and recognising your mistakes and learning from them.

 

[CUSO]

Good to see that it all worked out in the end.. Don't take Mother Nature for granted. If you are unfamiliar of the riding area.. then don't take chances.... There are other signs like flagged trees and terrain traps....never the less..

Heading up this weekend. Should be wicked!!

 

[JustinMan43]

Has anyone been in Keyhole lately? Never been, and if weather cooperates might go check it out Saturday. What's the terrain and riding area like?

 

[KilroyNo1]

I checked the weather cams from the Alberta/BC border to Blue River last night. Snow, snow, snow and some road closures for snow clearing. The roads are going to be dangerous for the next few days at least. Slow down and stay safe!

 

[Chrisco]

I was with the guy who got buried.

We have been sledding for years but were not that familiar with allen creek. I really wish we had ridden past the sign or knew about that hills reputation. But we didn't. We dropped in through the trees directly across the creek at the bottom of the valley and did not see the sign or get a good respect for the hill from that angle.

Anyways, we decided to get to a better spot before stopping and having lunch. On the way up my buddy took a poke at the hill, and you guys can figure out the rest. The snow made it abundantly clear that was stupid, so please anybody reading this learn from our mistakes. There was already a few tracks from that morning on the hill so somebody out there got away with it. Not that it matters but he was wearing the tether too, it just broke away during the slide.

We did not buy lotto tickets... figured we have already won. Really appreciate everybody who helped us out that afternoon, you wont catch us on terrain like that ever again.

Your welcome.

 

[TylerG]

Hate to post stuff like this, but it looks like we've lost one of our own in a slide in Morning Glory on Jan 30.

http://www.therockymountaingoat.com/2018/02/snowmobiler-dies-in-avalanche-near-valemount/

 

[VARDA]

The weekend forecast is showing a significant reload and today, Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the area. This means great riding to come, and increased load on an already sensitive snowpack.

We are setup for a good time this weekend, but restraint must be practiced with terrain selection. Please stick to low angle terrain and avoid any overhead exposure as high winds and new load on an already untrustworthy snowpack will increase the avalanche hazard.

The good news is that you choose the terrain you ride in, and enjoying this new snow safely is an easy task. BUT It does require you to make proper terrain choices and these decisions are often not as simple as one would hope.

Lower your angle, enjoy the snow and resist the temptation of big terrain. Now is simply not the time.

Ride safe

 

[schooled_dweeb]

http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/cariboos

 

[Highmark10]

we went into keyhole last sunday was good trail might be tough now with all this fresh its single track, need to know where to go to find the good stuff pretty small area unless you get into the hidden hole best to have someone with you who knows the area

 

[Highmark10]

we went into keyhole last sunday was good might be tough to break into with new snow. need to know where to go for the real good riding we missed most of it all day found it late in the day

 

[turboetech]

Rode allen creek today lots of sledder in there parking lot was pretty full

 

[KilroyNo1]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mrnt2octsox7xko/2018-02-02 13.01.25.jpg?dl=0

We rode Chapel yesterday in about a foot of fresh powder. You could play pretty much anywhere and have a fresh line for yourself to ride. The sun broke through for the afternoon and made for a great day of riding. It snowed in Valemount last night, so I imagine all the areas will have some fresh today.

 

[Fatdaddy]

We rode Salmon yesterday. As usual was great day and had some laughs with old friends. Roads were snowy and icy but hats off to LDM road crew for plowing and sanding. Sledders have to choose terrain choice as witnessed lots of North slopes sliding. Also saw a couple milder avy's in the trees on not that steep of slopes also on North face. Snow is spectacular just need to play safer right now

 

[JustinMan43]

Any updates on Clemina? Only riding a half day tomorrow so was thinking of check it out. Alan was incredible today with the bluebird afternoon. Fresh snow all day. Didn't go past avy alley

 

[rknight111]

we rode clemina saturday, was an awesome day. Decent powder in many areas, we found areas where it was knee deep to waste deep. I have a few pics and i’ll try to post some vids on monday

 

[turboetech]

Road allen creek again Saturday we went straight to the back and found untouched waist deep pow all day on our way out looked like premier to the cabin was well travelled best snow this season hands down

 

[rknight111]

We rode clemina today and had a blast. Snow again is from knee deep to 3’ feet in areas. trail is in great shape.

As we left it was snowing hard, all the way down the trail. The roads were quite bad around valemount so be careful. Seen a tractor and trailer in the ditch on its side right in front of summit river lodge.

 

[VARDA]

Another week of amazing riding looks to be upon us as we get a quick break from the last round of snow storms. Clear skies today with a mix of weather forecasted over the next few days. We currently are holding some of the best riding conditions of the year although the snow distribution is quite variable. Head to low angled, sheltered terrain to find the best and safest snow.

Avalanche conditions are certainly touchy with the persistent weak layers and new load. The good news is that you choose the terrain you ride in, and enjoying this new snow safely is an easy task, but it does require you to make proper terrain choices and these decisions are often not as simple as one would hope. Lower your angle, enjoy the snow and resist the temptation of big terrain. Now is simply not the time.

For the most recent photos and video, please follow RideValemount on Facebook and Instagram. Please read below regarding very important information on logging operations in the Clemina Creek area.

 

[Depsnolvr]

The Pirates have a few seats left in an AST1 Class on happening March 2-4. Classroom sessions in the evenings of the 2/3 beginning at 6pm allowing you to ride during the day and train at night. These class sessions are followed by the field day on Sunday.

Cost is 325 per person plus GST.

Please email with any interest or questions.

Ride Safe

 

[VARDA]

Its going to be an amazing weekend of riding coming up. Storms have been hitting the area all week and they look to be calming down for the weekend. Its going to be a great time to get out and enjoy the deep snow. We are certainly seeing an elevated avalanche hazard with all of this new load, so please check out www.avalanche.ca before heading out and understand as much as you can about the complicated snowpack you are riding on and how enjoy all of this snow safely.