We are approaching “mid-winter” here in the mountains of the North Thompson valley. The days are getting longer, hardy little birds are starting to re-appear after a very brief hiatus for the Christmas break and the sunsets have been captivating. It is a good time to be in the backcountry now that the upper layers of the snowpack are settling out.
Avalanche danger still real
On Jan. 29 there were two separate avalanches triggered on Raft Mountain - one in the West Raft snowmobile riding area and one in the Sugar Bowl above Willis Lake. Both avalanches were large enough to kill or injure a human.
These were not storm snow avalanches but involved a deeper area of the snowpack. This type of avalanche activity indicates that, in this location, there may be a persistent weakness within or near the base of the snowpack. It is time to choose terrain wisely and avoid large slopes with terrain traps below. Riders and skiers must be vigilant with group management, this is a priority ... if your out riding in an area with many other groups avoid re-grouping below ANY large slopes. Stay far from the run outs. Park and watch your friends on small ridges or way out in the flats. Cross any large avalanche run out zones one at a time and maintain your situational awareness at all times.
Skiing and boarding suggestions
One excellent location for backcountry skiing and boarding is the north end of Groundhog Mountain. The map sheet is National Topographic System (NTS) 83D/3 and 82 M/14 on a 1:50,000 scale. This area is snowmobile accessible up the Finn Creek forest service road about 15 km north of Avola on the east side of Highway 5. Leave your sled at Salmon Lake at 21.0 km. There are amazing gladed tree lines on both the south and north shores of Salmon Lake. Runs are between 1800 and 1500 vertical feet with incredible views of the Monashees’ Scrip range to the east.
A second excellent tree skiing zone is accessed from the Chappel Creek snowmobile trail north of Blue River in the Cariboos. Before reaching the alpine there are many ski lines that drop right off the access trail and lead down into Lempriere Creek. You can also just pick up right off the snowmobile access trail for sled shuttle skiing.
These areas are still remote if you get into trouble and everyone needs to have Avalanche Skills Training and must be carrying the “Essentials” in their pack. But get out there and explore your backyard there is much to discover.
Guide to backcountry on the way
Coming in 2011/2012 we will be releasing our first edition of the “North Thompson Backcountry Explorer” series, a definitive guide to backcountry skiing, hiking and mountaineering with information on the local natural and cultural history of the area.
- Dana Foster Ludwig is an ACMG Ski Guide and CAA Professional Member. This column is sponsored by Snowy Mountain Alpine Tours and Chalets. See snowymountain.ca.