Sunshine Coast Back Country Reports is a free service provided by SuncoastCentral.com and Alpha Adventures for visitors to share current conditions and alerts about our fantastic outdoor areas.
Great chain up Video only takes around 1 min a wheeel Monday, December 01, 2014
If you are going up to Dakota Ridge or the Tet you should have chains these Diamond Back chains are easy to put on with out having to move the car. They give great traction and stay tight. They are a great investment and if you use them could save many hours stuck in the ditch.
Tetrahedron Conditions Current Conditions Thursday, December 04, 2014
The road has only a dusting of snow. The ditches will stop lower clearance vehicles above the lower parking lot, but traction is fine all the way to the upper parking lot. The trails have thin snow cover, with occasional exposed and covered ice. About .5km beyond Edwards Lake cabin, snow is deeper and becomes continuous. There's a packed trail, with very little ice on the final ridge. Nothing to ski on, snowshoes aren't really needed. Mirospikes are useful. The lakes are frozen but not to be trusted unless you determine the ice thickness first. Many thanks to all those who put some much resources into maintaining this area.
Posted by: Steve Grant
Warming in the hills rain rain and more Current Conditions Friday, December 05, 2014
+4'c and rain on Cypress and grouse so out mtns will be the same looks like the way it will be for the best week or more Freezing levels are way up 2000mts or so. Lakes in the Tet will not be safe to cross. Expect wet conditions in the mtns. Stay safe
Posted by: Doug
Colder temps in mtns coming Current Conditions Thursday, December 11, 2014
Fresh snow up at 5000ft level Should be colder temps and chance of snow in the hills soon. the webcam at Black tusk shows fresh snow
Posted by: Cavin
Do the snow dance we need snow up top Current Conditions Saturday, December 13, 2014
Cypress mtn workers did there get rid of Pineapple dance, they kicked and abused pineapples and even driving over some pineapples with a snowcat hoping to get rid of warm weather up the hill. Take care have safe and fun hikes.
Posted by: Cavin aka Snowman
Video getting rid of Pineapples on Cypress Current Conditions Sunday, December 14, 2014
I did a search and found it check out this Youtube video great way to chase away warm weather and get snow to come back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYc...
Posted by: Doug
Tetrahedron Park gate Alert / Warning Thursday, December 18, 2014
Please note: The gate at the lower parking area for access to Tetrahedron Park has been closed for the winter season.
A 3cm of snow at the upper parking lot. Let's hope for more to come soon.
This post contains a map item View the map Posted by: BC Parks
Dakota only 3 inches compact snow Alert / Warning Monday, December 22, 2014
Heard if you climb above warm up hut go up the shoot for abit it gets to 8inches compact snow was +2' daytime lets hope for some colder and snowier weather.
Posted by: George H
Group of 20 something's at Steele on New Years Eve Alert / Warning Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Hi all, just letting you know that a seizable group is going to be snow shoeing up to Steele on Dec 31 and spending the night. We're very friendly, but there are a lot of us.
Posted by: Max
6 more on New Years at Batchelor or Edwards Alert / Warning Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Just a note that a group of 6 (which bite, but not hard) are likely arriving late afternoon on 31st and vacating with hangovers and good tales on the 1st.
This post contains a map item View the map Posted by: patrick nolan
Dakota Ridge pics from dec 22nd Current Conditions Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Only 3-4 inches compact snow at Dakota warm up hut around 8 inches compact farther up the shoot lots of wet spots.
Posted by: Cavin
Alpha adventures just posted new pics from today Current Conditions Thursday, December 25, 2014
Some pics from today from Dakota posted on Alphas facebook page trees look like they are loaded with snow. I tried to get up today but got a rock through my tire. Many sharp rocks around 8kms or so. Make sure you have a spare tire and know how to change it BCAA will not go up there to change it. Lets hope for more fresh snow as colder weather moving in. Do the snow dance.
Posted by: Cavin
Group at Edwards Dec. 27 2014 Current Conditions Friday, December 26, 2014
FYI
Group of six staying at Edwards Cabin Saturday night (Dec. 27 2014)
Posted by: BG
4 More at Steele on New Yrs. Current Conditions Saturday, December 27, 2014
Group of 4- two adults two teens 29th - first.
Posted by: Ron
Lots more snow Current Conditions Saturday, December 27, 2014
There was 8 inches of fresh snow on top of a good solid base at the quanset hut on Dakota Ridge this morning. The trails are still not groomed and you can only drive to the upper gate, however the backcountry skiing and snowshoeing is wonderful. The road is not ploughed but passable. You will need chains to get down. There are no trail hosts and the quanset hut is still locked, so make sure you have chains and a shovel and food and water. Enjoy.
Posted by: landcruiser@dccnet.com
Avalanche Conditions Alert / Warning Saturday, December 27, 2014
With today's new dump of heavy, wet, snow, on top of a layer of lighter layer, on top of a hard crust, there have been many natural and man-triggered slides. Mostly observed in the Chapman Basin and Mt. Steele areas. Persons intending to go out over the next few days should be aware that the snow pack is very unstable in these areas. An avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and an extensive knowledge of this terrain, are absolute 'musts'. Travel is not recommended past the Edwards lake cabin, over the next few days, or until the layers bond better.
Posted by: Sam
Cabin Update Alert / Warning Saturday, December 27, 2014
Please note that the cabins in the Tetrahedron Park are designed to accommodate 12 persons. There are currently 14 people staying at Mt. Steele cabin tonight, with plans of staying until New Years, unless avalanche conditions continue to degrade. And 4 at Edwards. It is very difficult and uncomfortable for everyone, to be stuffing 20 or more people in these cabins. And a notice that there will be Cabin and Park Stewards collecting cabin fees over the holiday season and through the rest of winter. Please have payment ready. Thanks and happy trails.
Posted by: Sam
Dakota ridge road very slippery above bridge Alert / Warning Sunday, December 28, 2014
We got held up for 45 mins waiting for 2 spun out 4x4s to get off the hill. Since road is not plowed people are driving in same ruts and spinning tires make ice. Be safe use 1 set chains on front wheels carry a tow strap you might have to pull someone out of your way. Saw large pick ups flying up the road spinning tires all way up. Tow tucks might not come up there to pull you out and if they do it can cost $500 or more NO BCAA caverage up there.
But Great skiing 8 inches fresh powder on top of ft or more compact.
Posted by: George H
Please post some info after your trip to Tet Alert / Warning Sunday, December 28, 2014
This place was set up for trip report info many people post there intent of staying at a certain cabin but never post any trail,road or snow conditions after there trip. Maybe someone would post how the trails are and how much snow at cabins etc. How is the road what are the temps like are the lakes froze or not. do not take anyones word check ice thickness yourself but nice to have some general info.
Posted by: George H
Edwards hut confirmed NYE - for 4 to 6 people Alert / Warning Monday, December 29, 2014
Follow up on earlier post from Dec.23 there will be 4 (likely) - possibly up to 6 people at Edwards on new years eve. We will have NYE festivities, so please expect a bit of noise until past midnight at the very least. Join us for a polar dip the next day to remove all the sins of the year past :)
posted by: Patrick
Posted by: patrick nolan
Dakota ridge open dec 30th Alert / Warning Monday, December 29, 2014
Some trails will be packed but not track set gate and Hut should be open they everyone should chain up as road is very icey. Have fun check on Dakotas facebook page for more info
Posted by: george H
Ski Dakota 29th Dec 2014 Current Conditions Monday, December 29, 2014
Had a great ski today. Lots of snow and grooming was well underway today. I think it will be open officially tomorrow. Michael
Posted by: Michael Klein
Ski Dakota 29th Dec 2014 Current Conditions Monday, December 29, 2014
Today's Photo Dec 29th 2014
Posted by: Michael Klein
Dogs on the trails--lets find a way Current Conditions Monday, December 29, 2014
Wish there was a time once or twice during the week when we could bring our dogs. I am willing to pay for the privilege The designated area for dogs is insufficient. If one is snow shoeing it is impossible not to cross some X country trails. If one is skiing on snow shoe trails as I am forced to do, it is also impossible not to cross ski trails. I clean up after my dog. Our dog Luna is an enthusiastic golden doodle who is excited on arrival but settles down when we get on the trails (her favorite activity). I accept that some skiers donot want dogs on the trail but there must be a compromise that can be arrived at as I know that so many coasters have dogs that they would like to bring. Suggest times just before a grooming, are late in the day. Suggestions welcome Michael mklein@interchange.ubc.ca
Posted by: Michael Klein
Great day at Dakota Ridge Current Conditions Monday, December 29, 2014
We enjoyed our first snowshoeing trip to Dakota Ridge.
A crew of volunteers were working to get the area ready and as it was our first trip, they answered all of out many questions. Thanks!
Road was a bit icy for the last few kilometers and the chains came in handy on the way down
Posted by: R & B
4 more at Edwards Cabin on NYE Alert / Warning Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Just a note that a group of 4 of us will be spending NYE at Edwards cabin as well.
Posted by: Kate
2 Nights at Edwards Current Conditions Tuesday, December 30, 2014
8 of us ( 2 families ) spent the Dec 27/28 at Edwards.
Road had a fresh layer of snow up top ( ~6' ) on the morning of the 27th and fresh tracks into Edwards. 7 people on snowshoes and one on skis/skins.
4 people already at the cabin with multiple groups arriving that day. Ended up with 18 sleeping in the cabin and 2 tents, something like 24 in total.
Hit Steel in the am for a day trip, nice conditions for either Skins or snowshoes with lots of fresh up top and no tracks on the peak. Cabin empty.
28th - Our group + 2 others for the night ( 2 left for Steel in the am )
29th - Trail was well packed in and no need for snowshoes or skins.
Lots of groups heading in the afternoon of the 29th with eye's on Steel.
Didn't attempt the lake routes ( no tracks ).
Road out was clear, but slick!
Cheers
Posted by: Ian
Many Thanks Ian for the great report Current Conditions Tuesday, December 30, 2014
It makes it easier for people to plan when there are fresh reports as to road, trail and cabins etc. Be nice to know snow depths at cabins and other spots around. Happy New years to all stay safe have fun.
Posted by: Cavin
Tet road very slipery thanks to kids slidding on the hill Alert / Warning Wednesday, December 31, 2014
I can not think how people let there kids risk there lives slidding down a road like the Tet you never know when someone might come flying down the hill and run over your kids. Who would be at fault if there kids died. Then the face using crazy carpets etc makes the road so slipery it is hard to go up and down. Only around 4-6 inches at the parking lot. Only 6 vehicles parked up there so do not know how 30 people are going to be up there tonight.
Happy New year have a safe one hope some pics get posted of the parties in the cabins.. let us know how the trails and cabins are etc. Looking forward to good snow year do the snow dance at Midnight.
Sunshine Coast Outdoor Reports December, 2014
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