Mar 9/13 - Flathead Groomed

Hi Gang, I have been riding and busy in the evenings so this report comes a bit late. George groomed the Flathead last night and OMG what a difference. Can't believe how much improved the trail was. But...today there were approx 50-60 sleds on the trail going into all the bowls that have been accumulating snow. I thought that even the trail into Barnes was better with the bit of snow we got. We only got about 8cm of snow down here at the Inn and Fernie got a big dump out of that last weather system. The Flathead area got 15cm for sure and put that on top of a bunch of unridden snow and you have nice consolidation, some traction but still carve worthy. Limestone saw a lot of action today but they said it was in good shape. Only part of the Barnes Meadow face has come down. Stay off it - there are better things to ride safely. We saw some solar triggered avalanches that had fallen by 1pm today in Rain Gauge but there was lots of safe places to play and the trees were FUN! Note to everyone...one guy on the hill at a time and please don't go pull a climb above other people. There's lots of room to spread out and have a good time. Our one set of guests rode down the McLatchie past the Barnes Ranch access and up in cut blocks where they said there was a foot of unridden snow. They said they know of lots of little spots where nobody has been so go explore. Friends and guests that rode Fernie said the trail was great going in but took a bit of a beating by days end but still a pleasure til the last 2km which is normal. They were in cut blocks and said they had lots of fun - snow was set up but they took advantage of the traction. Sure there are lots of little places with unridden there still. Friends were in Atlas yesterday and said there was an avalanche - no fatalities and I don't have location or anything I just mention it to remind you that slopes are letting go and become more unstable over the course of the day depending on what direction it faces and the temps so never let your guard down and make good choices. What you pass up riding today you may be able to ride next week. Elkford got a big dump the other day per the crew from there. As for temps it is +2 right now at 9:20pm and alpine temps are running cooler - predicted -6 range. Winds are supposed to pick up a bit and we are supposed to have warmer temps on the way but also a bit of snow on Monday. Rode with Matt, Rhonda, Shane, Kari (sorry if I spelled it wrong) and Cooper today and we are sure we will get that big dump at the end of March LOL. Our trail is icy for the first 2km and then it gets better but it is starting to get rough - don't ride the middles - tear up the sides. It is still very ride-able though and if the temps can hold at -5 we can get a groom in. Need a bit more snow to really make an improvement on it. One creek is a bit trecherous to cross but okay. Thanks again to George - The Flathead was a pleasure to ride and I can't believe how well it held up with all that activity on it today. I hope the donation box is full. A note about that....its not just grooming you support by throwing in your contribution...its a vote. Its a vote to keep riding areas open. So vote when you ride a groomed trail with a donation or vote by buying a membership. Check out photos on Summit Creek Cabins facebook page. Cheers Gang!