No Answer to my Christmas Wish for Snow

Before Christmas I asked Santa for some snow for the west coast.. but alas. It's been raining all week, with freezing levels reaching 1800m (Roundhouse on Whistler), and the snow has almost completely melted out of the valley.

Many of our friends jumped on a plane or started a road trip to find better snow over the holidays, or got in some biking time in Squamish instead.

The backcountry around Whistler is not looking good (read the post below this one for a report of the areas around Whistler Blackcomb), same with the Duffy Lake Rd area. Last week we went up to Cerise Creek and Cayoosh Creek a couple of times, but basically just for a walk on skis.

With the marginal snow coverage, rain, and winds barely covering up hidden obstacles, it's not the best time to head out touring.

Despite being disappointed with crummy conditions, it was still nice to get out in the mountains for a bit of exercise and beautiful scenery.. guess you make the most of what you've got right? I'd still rather be out there than not.

This is from the 24th, after we got a little bit of pow, which the rain has since taken out.

In the Duffy Lake Rd area, we came across a number of people who were also just out for a walk on their skis.. guess we aren't the only ones anxious for the season to start.

At least the dog was happy.