Dec 10 K3 Update

An update from our friends at K3 from December 10th:

A quick "Pre-Christmas" update from out our neck of the (snowy woods).
Winter has returned! and about time. Lots of snow the last while, and perhaps a bit of a break and some sun and cold air coming.
The skiing has improved immensely (from what I've heard - too busy with paperwork still myself to get any turns in yet).
There is still quite a bit of Alder lurking in the usual haunts. Coverage gets much better as you get up higher.
The Gorge is well plowed and maintained - with lots of Industrial traffic (7 days a week), there maybe reduced plowing on the weekend so plan accordingly.
On that note from December 23 up to Jan 3rd there will be less plowing and traffic for the Christmas break. That being said - you still NEED your radio 7 days a week. Be aware that if you have a lower clearance vehicle or a trailer - it maybe much harder to get up the road for this timeframe.
Avoid the temptation to drop your sled and head up - because while you may not be able to drive up, that does not mean someone else can't or won't - as as always Santa is watching to see who drives their sleds up plowed roads.
Our road building program is in full swing, as is our preparation for Staff training and the season. You can expect an increased amount of activity in our area (sleds, snowcats, truck traffic).
Our road is plowed (though not for a few days now as the Grader snapped a drive shaft!) - again radios are the key every day.
There has been a noticeable uptick in radio use - which is awesome, and the key to keeping things working.
Remember that radios do have their quirks and issues. The 5W hand held's have far less range to both transmit, and receive then the large 30w truck ones do, but even the bigger radios can have dead spots or shortened range. The key to radio use is practice and experience, remember to listen just as much or more than you transmit, try to make a "mental map" of where the other users are, and always yield to downhill or loaded traffic. Communicate clearly and keep it on point.
If you come to a pull out and plan on parking for the day, and it is getting full - move on to the next good spot - those spots are needed to pass the loaded/unloaded traffic - don't get in the way.
Even with that - always drive as if there is a loaded truck or Moose or Sasquatch around every corner.
Turn your headlights on , and make sure you have those lovely winter tires on. Bring a proper shovel (not just the lightweight one in your pack) and a tow strap, and tire chains (and know how to use them as always).
Our friends over at Avalanche Canada love to get your MIN reports, and as always check out the bulletins before you go.
The days are about as short as they can be - so remember to plan that into your day - and make sure, if you do get caught out in the dark - that your headlamp has brand new batteries and works.
Winter is just getting started - there is a ton of skiing and power to come.
Make sure you know about any/all closures for both fire and Caribou - the onus is on the users to know what is closed and to know your location respective to these areas.
Thats about it - if you see us out and about - say hi.
Merry Christmas from K3