Sunshine Coast Outdoor Reports December, 2009

Tetrahedron Face Book Page
Thursday, December 03, 2009

The Tetrahedron Face Book Page has 35 Fans joined up so far, some really great videos posted and lots of pics. If you are interested please search Tetrahedron Back Country and join up, post pics, videos, road conditions, lake conditions: a great place to meet and chat about the back country.
Enjoy the back country and remember to donate to the cabin maintenance and road plowing by donating at the Shell service station in Wilson Creek :)


Posted by: Vince


Just heard Opening Date for Dakota is Dec 19th
Thursday, December 03, 2009

Also looks like alpine temps have warmed up Whistler is +1'c at 6000ft Grouse is +3'c hope this is not going to be repeat of last year. Cold and snow down here and warm and rain in mountains.
The Tetrahedron back country site is great. Have watched some great video on it.
Any word when they will be plowing road to Tet or how much snow is up there.


Posted by: George H


Dakota Ridge 3 pm today 0'c -8'c at 9am
Current Conditions Friday, December 04, 2009

Well just heard it was not bad up on top today was-8'c at gate 9am and 0:c at Quanset at 2pm ofcorse it is frozen hard but the old guys had a good ski way up back. They have been breaking trail way up top where 3 1/2 of snow is still there. They drove to gat rutted up some but they made it. Seems Dakota has been colder then Cypress or Grouse so our snow base should be in better shape. Be carefull as temps might warm through the day, if you parked on frozen hard snow you could find your truck has sunk in snow as temp warmed. Always good to carry some shovels and chains.
Gate will be locked till mid Dec.
Have fun and please post a report if you go up. Nice to know what is going on up there and Tet too.


Posted by: Snow More


Alpine temps to stay cold and dry
Current Conditions Saturday, December 05, 2009

Temps to stay around -9'c for next few days Maybe colder at Tet be prepared for cold weather. Your cars too. Nothing worse then coming down from ski to find your car will not start. Check your anti freeze and Battery. Go up hill with a full Tank of gas.

COLD AND DRY for next week.

Please post any trip info you may have to share. Conditions change fast only use info as a general guide. Use caution if crossing any bodys of water you think is frozen enough.




Posted by: Snow More


Tetrahedron Back Country FaceBook Page
Current Conditions Saturday, December 05, 2009

50 people and counting, search Tetrahedron Back Country on FaceBook and join up. Glad to see so many people joining, post pics, stories, video and current snow/road conditions.
Cheers Everyone :)


Posted by: Vince


Dakota Ridge Dec. 5
Current Conditions Saturday, December 05, 2009

Crisp, Clear and Cold on the Ridge Today. Snow begins above Lot B with deep frozen ruts above the 4 way intersection (the old yellow gate). As long as it stays cold- vehicles with ample traction and clearance can drive to the upper gate. Parking is very limited, and beware of the road icing up if you come down late in the day. Chains recommended.

With the cold temperatures be careful that your vehicle door locks don't freeze too.

Bluebird sky- great views.

Still over 4 ft of snow just above the hut.

Outhouse was locked.

1.5 cm breakable crust on top of loose snow. We were glad we had snowshoes for the traction.




Posted by: Alpha Adventures


Tet Trip report on Clubtread
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 09, 2009

There is a trip report from Dec 5-7 on clubtread. It mentions not being able to find trail markers. Have fun and post any recent info on Tet or Dakota here.


Posted by: Snow More


nice and hard
Current Conditions Monday, December 14, 2009

Went up sunday morning. Only drove up to the four corners area as the road was very icy and rutted. Headed west on my teles. The road there was very nice. There were no ruts in the trail as the first cross ditch made passage on a quad or snowmobile very difficult. Trais out there were almost as good as groomed. Trails up on the ridge were all rutted out as someone on a quad was up there driving around. Grooming will start this week for the official opening on saturday! See you up there!


Posted by: Jayturf


Tet
Current Conditions Monday, December 14, 2009

We were up on Sunday to do a little sled'n with the kids. Not much snow at the parking area by the gate. very icey and rutted We walked down the road to the right of the gate and no better success. Suspect that will all change tonight. Bring on the snow!!


Posted by: Rob


Any word
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Is it snowing up there or raining??


Posted by: Jayturf


Raining on Dakota
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 16, 2009

SCRD webpage for Dakota was updated today says it was raining up top.

More info to be posted on Dec 18th

For those driving to Dakota Ridge please be aware that the road to Dakota Ridge is a Mountain Back Road and extreme weather conditions can exist at any time. The road is ploughed but requires that you use 4x4 have winter tires in good condition and suggest that you carry chains and use them when road covered in snow. Road is Narrow and has steep hills. Use Headlights when driving this road to be seen by others faster. This could save a life. Suggest 20 KMPH Max speed.

DO NOT TOBOGAN OR SNOW BOARD DOWN ROAD. This is very dangerous.


Posted by: Snow More


grooming in the rain
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Hello there impatient skiers,

The grooming has started but the rain made the road basically impassable today even with a fresh plowing. The road is very soft and difficult to drive. Better to stay away until the temperature drop below freezing on the ridge and the road has a chance to freeze without lots of ruts in it. We should have the east side groomed in marked for the weekend.

Pray for snow!



Posted by: Michel


December 15th--Dakota Road is Plowed!
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Dakota road is plowed, the upper gate is open! Drove up the Alpha Adventures beast on Dec 14th and 15th, everything is looking great up there. The trails are being groomed, so everything should be ready to go for opening day on Saturday. There was about 7 inches of new snow overnight on the 14th, so the powder was perfect the next day (120 cm total up top)

Be aware of places to pull out for cars to pass eachother, especially on the upper part of the road as traffic is definitely increasing. Snow tires and chains are still needed.



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Posted by: Snowshoe Annie


Hundreds protest Global warming
Current Conditions Thursday, December 17, 2009

Here is a picture of local winter enthuists protesting Global warming




Posted by: george H


Was that Protest at Dakota Ridge
Current Conditions Thursday, December 17, 2009

Maybe that is what we need to do or just get everyone to do the snow dance. Looks like those protesters might be disapearing. Warmer temps are going to be around for next 5-7 days Alpine freezing level is above 1500 mts most of the week. Dakota sometimes gets colder then other mountains

Great picture I do not think Patrick had time to do this one.


Posted by: Snow More


Tetrahedron prov. park
Current Conditions Friday, December 18, 2009

Early next week, I'm planing on a over night trip up to the cabins in tetrahedron park, and maybe summit Panther peak. Has anyone been up that way lately? How are the road conditions?

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Posted by: Matt


She's open folks
Current Conditions Saturday, December 19, 2009

Road is as good as it gets. Trails, however, aren't haha. We went up early this morning to try and get some grooming done. The work done earlier this week while it was raining had hardened up solid and was very difficult to work with. In some spots we were working with less than 6' of snow. Therefore only the east loop was groomed today. I figure we better have quality rather than quantity! Thanks for the understanding everyone. The place should be in great shape in the next week or so. Pray for snow!!


Posted by: Jayturf


Chance of snow in mountains
Current Conditions Saturday, December 19, 2009

The next 3 days there is a chance of some snow flurries above 2500 ft. Lets just hope it does and stays.
If you were up at Dakota or Tet please post a report on how things were. You can also post upto 3 pics with reports. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Have Fun Stay Safe Think snow up top not down here.


Posted by: Snow Man


Alpine Temps all mixed up WARM
Current Conditions Sunday, December 20, 2009

Overnight Cypress has warmed up and is +5'c normally they should be colder then sea level but strange air currents are bringing warm air up the mountain. Our local mountains may get same weather warming or could be much colder.
Even Whistler temps are out of whack -1'c at 8000ft and -5'c at 5000ft. Could be a inversion layer starting to happen.
Please post some info about your trip to Dakota or The Tet like Temps snow depth any fresh trail and Road conditions was road plowed and in good shape.

This site only works good if people Share info. The Tet road will only be plowed when there are reports on here that there is fresh snow at parking lot. No Post No Plow.


Posted by: Snow Man


Rain Rain go away
Current Conditions Sunday, December 20, 2009

Went up this morning..raining hard up top. When I left around 10am the rain has lessened but it was still about +4 out. Groomers up and working to open up more trails! Pray for snow!


Posted by: jayturf


Tet road update
Current Conditions Sunday, December 20, 2009

Drove up Tet today just to see what the weather was like, pouring rain all the way to the parking lot. No sign of snow on the ground until about 1km from the lot. From that point up the road is very icy and rutted. From that point down the road is in fantastic shape.
Be very careful up there as the parking lot is an absolute skating rink.



Posted by: Jay


New web site...
Current Conditions Sunday, December 20, 2009

The have a new web site. come check us out, lots of great photos of our back yard.
vp snowseekers, Bruce
sunshinecoastsnowseekers.ca




Posted by: Bruce


Good chance of Fresh snow up top tonight
Current Conditions Monday, December 21, 2009

There is strong chance of some snow flurries on Dakota and Tet tonight. Temps going down and some moisture hanging around. Get those skis and snow shows ready. Get your snow tires and chains ready.

Watch for icey sections under snow on road and trails. wet snow may be frozen hard as rock now.

Have fun be safe Please post a report if you have been up to dakota or Tet


Posted by: Snow Man


New snow on Dakota
Current Conditions Tuesday, December 22, 2009

There is new snow on Dakota and today there will even be some SUN in the sky! So- grab your skis or snowshoes and have some fun.

Be careful on the road as there was some compacted ice above lot B- and now there will be some new snow sitting on top of that.




Posted by: Alpha Adventures


Tet road plowing
Current Conditions Tuesday, December 22, 2009

I am hoping to have plow back soon so Hope to be able to plow road after Xmas, Plow is at welding shop getting repairs cross your fingers they can fix it. Have a good xmas.
And please post info about Tet road and trails here.
Road to Tet has a heavy layer of ice and ruts so be carefull. Use Chains

SO Please Post Tet Road info here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Posted by: Snow Man


Dakota - Dec 23
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The snow level has dropped and there is snow on the road as of lot A. Above Lot B the road is getting a bit slick with compacted snow. 4X4/ AWD for sure and chains will help with slipping on the way down.

Groomers have done a good job with what snow they have. A few bumpy sections and water openings- but we had a great ski today. Nice to see snow on the trees. Approx. 4 cm of fresh snow fell on Monday night.


Posted by: Alpha Adventures


Beautiful Day on Dakota
Current Conditions Thursday, December 24, 2009

The groomers are doing miracle with the little snow we have. Conditions are getting better. East side is all groomed and tracked. Lots of people, skiing, snowshoeing, toboganing and sledding.
Road is in great shape but getting a little icy.
Merry chrismas!

Michel


Posted by: Michel


Inversion layer happening
Alert / Warning Friday, December 25, 2009

There seems to be a heavy Inversion layer hanging around. This means some colder temps down at sea level and warmer in mountains. Cypress is +5 and Sechelt -3'c Good news is no rain till Monday.


Posted by: Snow Man


tet
Alert / Warning Friday, December 25, 2009

went up the tet on dec 24th, road very icy but very driveable if you slow down and have 4x4
very little snow but beautiful
gael


Posted by: gael


Warm temps in alpine
Alert / Warning Friday, December 25, 2009

+9'c at cypress at 9pm when it is -1 'c in Sechelt. Mt Washington is +6'c

Unstable snow may be in higher elavations. Any lakes that were frozen and crossable in past trips may be unsafe NOW. Take Care Be safe


Posted by: Snow Man


SWEEEEEEEET
Current Conditions Saturday, December 26, 2009

Just got down from grooming today. Conditions are like spring up there...blue skies...nice and warm. Only the eastern trails are groomed as there is little snow to work with. Lots of people heading up there too!!


Posted by: Jayturf


found glove
Current Conditions Saturday, December 26, 2009

Found a 'Dakine' glove at pull out above lot B. Possibly a new and expensive christmas gift. 885 5506 to claim.
Went up for an hour of snowshoeing in the clearcut above lot B. Not a lot of snow yet. Had to stay on the road as scrub area not filled in yet. Come on SNOW.


Posted by: John


winter enthusiasm
Current Conditions Saturday, December 26, 2009

I would like to encourage everyone to come up and enjoy Dakota ridge, and have everyone who is not skiing stay off the ski trails, there is lots of snow for everyone, groomed trails are paid for by our ski tickets and volunteer time.


Posted by: skiforfun


Great ski conditions on Dakota
Current Conditions Sunday, December 27, 2009

Just heard from someone who was up skiing and she said it was great skiing and the Grooming guys did a great job with little snow to work with.

If you were up on Dakota or Tet Please post your report. The more info posted the better. If you take any pictures it is easy to post them here also.
If there is anything interesting on trails etc take a picture and share it.

Good chance of some new snow maybe Monday night on.


Posted by: Snow Man


groomers excel with no new snow
Current Conditions Monday, December 28, 2009

Although we have had no new snow over the holidays your Dakota Ridge Associated Groomers Of New Snow (DRAGONS) have done wonders with the little we have. pulling banks down across the trails and filling ditches and mud holes everywhere just to make it skiable for us. It's a lot of work and they do it as volunteers. Be nice to them.
The parking lot has filled to overflowing the last 4 days so please carpool. The road has icy sections above B lot so use your chains.
There are lots of non-trail user going up
like dogwalkers and sliders. please respect the ski trails and keep to the snowshoe trail.


Posted by: Landcruiser


please pay
Current Conditions Monday, December 28, 2009

Also please pay whether or not you use the trails.it helps keep this place running. It costs a lot of money to plow that road. It also takes a lot of diesel to run that groomer.

Thanks and have fun up there!


Posted by: jayturf


Tetrahedron Conditions
Current Conditions Monday, December 28, 2009

The road to the winter parking lot has a fresh skiff of snow higher up, with stretches of solid icy snow and shallow ruts for about 1km below the parking lot. Even a heavily loaded fwd Dodge Spirit with decent tires made it up without using chains. It looks like someone punctured an oil pan about 2km from the parking lot, and I saw someone with an awd lose control while going down just below the parking lot.

The gravel portion of the road is the smoothest I've ever seen it, with only 6 or so very minor ditches and a little washboarding.

The snow is very solid and uneven, with a bit of fresh snow on top. The road between the summer and winter parking lots is a mess of frozen snowshoe and foot holes, plus sections washed out down to the gravel. Many ditches are still open, but you can get across them without removing skis. Many streams are still open, some across the trails. However, on balance it was well worth taking the skis.

We found fewer people than we expected. Perhaps 6-7 vehicles overnight. Our party was the only one at Bachelor Lake last night, and it looked like no one had been there for a few nights.

As for the safety of the lake ice, I can report it is 18' thick on Bachelor Lake, 50' out from the shore. I know because chopping a hole for water was a non-trivial task. At Tannis Lake, the ice along the shore is at least 6' thick.

If tonight's snow doesn't build up, it's worth taking ice skates for the portions of the lakes that are clear of snow. Of course, be careful about stream inlets and outlets, and some of the ice along the very edge of sun-facing shorelines is thin.


Posted by: S Grant


word processing correction, ice thickness
Current Conditions Monday, December 28, 2009

My post, [it is 18' thick on Bachelor Lake, 50' out from the shore] was changed from 18 inches to 18 feet. Needless to say, the ice is 18 inches thick.


Posted by: S Grant


Dakota Ridge - Dec. 28
Current Conditions Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Light skiff of new snow on Dakota today. The road is clear all the way- with compacted snow and ice for the last 1.5 km. Use caution coming down.

Groomers have done a fantastic job with the snow that they have to work with. Looks like some fresh snow in the next few days!!

Have fun!


Posted by: Alpha Adventures


Could see 18 inches of snow thurs-sat
Current Conditions Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Alpine forecast is calling for a total of 18 inches of snow over the 3 days thursday to Sat. The freezing level is going to be up and down around 3000 ft or so. Temps in alpine will be just around freezing so it will be heavy wet snow. Be prepared make sure you have shovels and chains for going to Dakota and Tet.
Hoping to be able to have plow running for Jan 1st to plow Tet if we get snow.
It is important to post snow, road and trail conditions for Tet. I only have info posted by you to help me decide when to plow Tet Road.

Thanks Have a safe New Years.


Posted by: Snow Man


Hopefully it is snowing up at Dakota and Tet
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 30, 2009

As temps seem to be cold enough and it is raining down here it should be snowing up there. If you were up in Tet or Dakota please post a report.

If we can get 1 good report everyday from Tet and Dakota it gives us better info to plan trips etc.

It is simple to post your info from a trip up hill.


Posted by: Snow Man


Dakota Dec. 30
Current Conditions Wednesday, December 30, 2009

IT IS SNOWING!! Finally- big beautiful flakes have returned to our mountains on the Sunshine Coast. Snowline begins at km 7 and will likely drop further tonight. We chained up at Lot B.

9 cm of fresh fallen snow with more coming.

We witnessed vehicles having troubles on the road today - 4x4 and chains are an asset.


Posted by: Alpha Adventures


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