2012

January 28, 2012

This was a huge snow week with continuous storms dumping 110 cm (3 1/2 ft) of powder and excellent tree skiing. The average minimum temperature for the week was -10 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -3. The total snowpack is now 249 cm (8 ft).

January 21, 2012

This week started and ended with big powder dumps and was a little cooler than the last few weeks.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -17 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -10.  New snowfalls across the week totaled 60 cm, bringing the total snowpack to 215 cm (7 ft). 

January 14, 2012

A great mix of blue skies and epic goose-down powder dumps typified this trip.  Temperatures swung back and forth, with the average minimum temp for the week of -11 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -4.  Despite 45 cm of new snow bringing the snowpack over the 200 cm mark twice, by the end of the week it had settled out to 186 cm (6+ ft). 

January 06, 2012

We rung in the New Year with 54 cm of new snow across the week and some excellent skiing.  Temperatures cooled off a bit with an average minimum temp for the week of -15 degrees Celsius and the average max temp of -3.  The total snowpack is now a nice fat 187 cm (6+ ft) and coverage is already excellent. 

2011

December 30, 2011

La Nina’s Christmas gift this year was POWDER, with 71 cm of new snow across the week!  The average minimum temperature for the week was -8 degrees Celsius, the max was +1.  Total snowpack reached 178 cm (5 3/4 ft). 

December 12, 2011

On another pre-season work trip we again had to dig our way into the front door.  A big storm system at the end of November had dumped another 80 cm on Powder Creek, but by the time we arrived a couple weeks later it had settled out to a nice dense, dry base of 142 cm (4 1/2 + ft).  We shovelled decks under clear sunny skies and moderate temps, went for a ski in the afternoon and enjoyed the bright full moon nights.  The Christmas gang are going to be in for a great snowy treat courtesy of La Nina this year!

November 20, 2011

On a pre-season work trip into the lodge the crew found and amazing amount of snow blanketing Powder Creek and had to dig their way into the front door of the lodge!  The snowpack was already at 107 cm (3 1/2 ft) and coverage and skiing were excellent - once the crew finished shoveling decks and roofs!  Temps dipped to a nippy -20 celcius for a couple days then mellowed out a bit.

May 06, 2011

2011 is going to go down in records as the winter that just wouldn’t quit.  Reported to be the highest snowpack in 40 years, and we’re certainly seeing it at Powder with snow up to mid-window level!  On this maintenance trip into the lodge we got another 12 cm of fresh snow, bringing the settled snowpack to 320 cm (10 1/2 ft).  Amazingly we haven’t gotten into a major spring melt yet, so coverage was the best it’s been in the 12 years we’ve been in operation.

April 10, 2011

Another big storm cycle blew through this week, bringing another 55 cm (2 3/4 ft) of new powder snow to end a great ski season.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -11 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -0.8.  The total snowpack to finish our ski season was 319 cm (10 1/2 ft), but we expect it will keep building for a while as the spring storms continue. 

March 27, 2011

The weather started shifting towards spring patterns this week with more sun and warmer temps.  Total snowfall this week was only 19 cm, but great powder skiing was still found on all the north aspects.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -6 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was 0.  Total snowpack settled out to 280 cm (9+ ft). 

March 20, 2011

Another big round of storms this week dropped another 89 cm (3 ft) of powder snow and made for excellent powder skiing conditions.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -8 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -1.  Midweek the snowpack reached the 300 cm (9 3/4 ft) mark, but by the end of the week had settled out to 292 cm (9 1/2 ft). 

March 13, 2011

The storm cycle continued this week, bringing another 68 cm (2 1/4 ft) of snow and excellent powder skiing conditions.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -10 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -3.  Coverage is excellent through all the terrain, and the total snowpack is now 277 cm (9 ft). 

March 06, 2011

This week brought a series of storms through the area, dumping another 84 cm (2 3/4 ft) of powder snow across the week.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -12 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -5.  The total snowpack is now 265 cm (8 1/2 ft). 

February 27, 2011

Very cold temperatures for this time of year and clear skies dominated the early part of this week, followed later by small flurries.  A total of 19 cm (1/2 ft) of new snow fell across the week, and the total snowpack is now 233 cm (7 1/2 ft) after settlement.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -24 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -7. 

February 20, 2011

Weather good weather and stable snow conditions allowed for some excellent skiing conditions and the group was able to ski terrain rarely skied.  A total of 59 cm (2 ft) of new snow fell across the week, bringing the total snowpack to 242 cm (7 1/2 ft) after settlement.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -11 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -5. 

February 13, 2011

This week was a mix of clear skies and cool temps early in the week, then warmer temps and several days of snow and wind to finish the week.  A total of 73 cm (2 1/2 ft) of new snow fell across the week, leaving the total snowpack at 238 cm (7 3/4 ft) after settlement.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -13 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -2. 

February 05, 2011

The weather was similar to last week starting with cold temps, then warming up and with a bit of new snow towards the end of the week.  Again the warmer temps allowed the snowpack to stabilize and skiing was excellent and we were able to ski some of our more advanced terrain.  A total of 43 cm (1 1/2 ft) of new snow fell across the week.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -16 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -2.  Total snowpack is now 230 cm (7 1/2 ft). 

January 30, 2011

A lull in the big storms this week and warmer temps allowed the snowpack to stabilize and settle and made for some great skiing.  Though the daytime temps did get above freezing a few days, cloud cover and light winds kept the snowpack in good shape and we didn’t get a melt-freeze crust.  A smaller storm at the end of the week brought 31 cm of new snow and cooler temps.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -8.5 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was +1.5 Total snowpack is now 220 cm (7 1/4 ft). 

January 23, 2011

This week started with the same big storm cycle that finished off last week, dumping another 112 cm (3 1/2 ft) of snow across the week.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -12 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -2.  The low-density new snow settled lots, leaving the total snowpack at 230 cm (7 1/2 ft). 

January 16, 2011

This week was an awesome blend of weather starting with cold temps and crisp blue skies, followed by another big, warm storm cycle that dumped for several days.  New snow fall was an amazing 106 cm (3 1/2 ft!), so trailbreaking was work but the tree skiing was incredible.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -15 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was - 6.  Total snowpack is now a nice plump 220 cm (7 1/4 ft) and coverage is good. 

January 09, 2011

A big storm cycle passed over the area mid week bringing 65 cm (2+ ft) of new snow and some excellent skiing.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -14 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -5.  Total snowpack is now 170 cm (5 1/2 ft). 

January 02, 2011

This week was a mix of snowy and sunny days, with a high pressure system sliding in later in the week bringing cool temps and keeping the snow dry and the skiing excellent. 51 cm of new snow fell across the week, but lots of settlement occurred so the snowpack is now at 131 cm (4+ ft). The average minimum temperature for the week was -16 degrees Celsius and the average max temp was -10.

2010

December 28, 2010

A true White Christmas trip was enjoyed by all, starting with bright sunny days and ending with a big storm that dumped 42 cm in two days.  Deep powder skiing was excellent on the 146 cm (4 1/2+ ft) base, and stability was well tested by the keen crew of young huckers.  The average minimum temperature for the week was -10 degrees Celsius, the max was -3. 

December 06, 2010

The season is off to a great start at Powder Creek with a nice cohesive 85 cm (2 1/2 ft) base topped with 30 cm (1 ft) of airy Purcell goose down on top, for a total of 115 cm (2 3/4 ft). After two days close examination of the snowpack as we shoveled decks and roofs, we proclaimed the snowpack on the buildings to be ‘stable’ and enjoyed some hard-earned creamy powder turns in the crisp sunshine! Skiing in the Surgarbowl was excellent and coverage is already good - we’re looking forward to hosting our first group at Christmas!