The most recent storm has dropped some much needed snow into the valley bottom of the McBride to Blue River corridor.
This is a report from the Allen Creek area today. The staging area was holding a fresh 18cm of new snow. The trail in now has full snow cover now although it is very thin in spots. The notorious switchbacks are still quite slippery and require and experience operator to navigate them safely. The cabin site has a total depth of 75cm and was a bit cool at -9degrees. Pushing back to Caribou bowl (just before Hillclimb) the total height of snow (HS) went up to 85-90cm. The back side of Hillclimb and closer to the beginning of avalanche alley we were getting an average HS of 110cm. Wind has distributed snow over all aspects and much deeper pockets are available although natural hazards are still abundant. Please ride carefully, there are some hazards that exist with in the lower snowpack and you should be trained before venturing into big terrain. Please visit avalanche.ca for advice from the professionals.
To summarize, Allen creek is requiring experienced to access the area. We are still quite thin on the overall depth of snow, although great riding can be had. Some riders have ventured into Clemina. Access to the cabin is possible although no one has been able to make it up to Goat Ridge due to the low snowpack. Chappell Creek has been ridden although access is very thin and full of willows, creeks, logs and other natural hazards. Please visit facebook.com/ridevalemount for updated photos and videos and keep looking back here for detailed updates as the season progresses.
