IS SPRING COMING?
Ruby
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Winter has extended itself in this neck of the woods with a phenomenal storm two weeks ago (50cm in 12hrs!) and continued flurries and cool temps since. The warm temperatures will come in the Alpine and beware that things can change fast!
photo by James MartinIf you are playing in the Rockies remember that October rain crust that haunted for much of the season - that is broken down into some rotten snow at the base of the snowpack. In the Golden area, many of this winter's instabilities (old surface hoar/facet/crust layers)have probably worked themselves out, but there are large slab out there from this previous storm. The associated photo shows the depth that avalanches can still fail to. It is the time of year when little confidence should be given to cornices (standing on them or travelling below) on warm days. In the Rockies, spring time is generally the time of year to ski big lines. Remember that many of those long sought-after lines have small windows in which to be skied. Some years those windows don't exist at all on some lines. Another spring -time event is the climax avalanche - the whole snowpack avalanching. If things heat up enough and cause enough stress on any weakness at the base of the snowpack, then large, full depth avalanches may occur. Really think about how smooth the ground cover is and if there may be enough rotten snow at the base.
We hope you found the site informative this winter and we sincerely thank all those reading, watching, and contributing. One of our goals is to help folks make informed decisions and keep the riding safe. If we helped that happen in the least, then we are stoked.
photo by James MartinIf you are playing in the Rockies remember that October rain crust that haunted for much of the season - that is broken down into some rotten snow at the base of the snowpack. In the Golden area, many of this winter's instabilities (old surface hoar/facet/crust layers)have probably worked themselves out, but there are large slab out there from this previous storm. The associated photo shows the depth that avalanches can still fail to. It is the time of year when little confidence should be given to cornices (standing on them or travelling below) on warm days. In the Rockies, spring time is generally the time of year to ski big lines. Remember that many of those long sought-after lines have small windows in which to be skied. Some years those windows don't exist at all on some lines. Another spring -time event is the climax avalanche - the whole snowpack avalanching. If things heat up enough and cause enough stress on any weakness at the base of the snowpack, then large, full depth avalanches may occur. Really think about how smooth the ground cover is and if there may be enough rotten snow at the base.
We hope you found the site informative this winter and we sincerely thank all those reading, watching, and contributing. One of our goals is to help folks make informed decisions and keep the riding safe. If we helped that happen in the least, then we are stoked.
Avalanche Decision Making Survey
The study includes an online survey with questions about experience and background, typical skiing/riding partners, perceptions of avalanches and ski patrol and an interactive ‘pick a run’ exercise.
Seasons Showing at the Lyric
While it has been feeling more like winter than spring these days in Golden, the days of charging dirt trails again is not far off. Seasons, the much anticipated mountain biking movie by the Collective will be showing at The Lyric this coming Friday, April 25th. Tickets are available in advance at Darkside and the Lyric. The show starts at 9pm with a DJ to follow. Lots of Swag!
Kicking Horse announces a bonus weekend of operations!
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Announcement:
March 31, 2008 - With plenty of snow left on the mountain to enjoy, we are extending the season with a bonus weekend of operations Friday April 11th, Saturday April 12th and Sunday April 13th.
Present you season*s pass from any resort and receive 50% off your KHMR day ticket, or with a donation* to the Golden Food Bank we will provide 50% off your day lift ticket.
Don*t miss your last chance for spring skiing and great apres at the Eagle*s Eye patio.
*minimum $5 donation. The Golden Food Bank is in need of canned tomatoes, meats and stews.
Golden Film Festival Winner
On Thursday, March 20th the red carpet rolled out at the Lyric where local celebrities and film critics alike took in the first annual Golden Film Festival. A packed house of cheering fans watched 9 film entries in the 19 and over category. When the judges scores were tallied, it was no surprise that Ryan Johannesen's creation, the Buck Hunter, took first place. Written by the Barker brothers and starring local heart-throbs, Chris Barker and Patrick Garbutt, Buck Hunter was quoted as being "On the edge of your seat", "Riveting", even "insatiable"! Here is your chance to view the award winning film....
