Jan 2025 Update

January Update
GSTA members. A few updated from the last month. There has been a large uptick in Trip Reports. This is much Appreciated. And by all accounts radio use on the road has been great. We have had no reports of road incidents since the beginning of the season. That’s all good news.  

Search and Rescue (SAR) Reminder

Over the weekend, Search and Rescue responded to a call for an injured skier. They’ve provided the following reminders to help ensure safety for all backcountry users: 

Before Heading Into the Backcountry
Have a Trip Plan – Let someone at home know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Prepare for an Overnight Stay – Always carry essentials in case you need to spend the night outdoors.
Expect Limited Cell Coverage – While some signal may exist along ridge tops, coverage is unreliable below the height of land.
Carry a Satellite SOS Device – Ensure you have a working device and know how to use it. This can be critical in an emergency.
Use GPS & Know Your Location – A GPS device or app can help pinpoint your exact coordinates (latitude/longitude). Knowing your location increases the likelihood of a helicopter response (weather permitting).
Bring a Map – A paper map is invaluable if your batteries die or visibility drops. The area has a risk of skiers mistakenly heading toward Queest Village or the 4 Mile Rec Site on Shuswap Lake instead of Craigellachie and the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Recommended maps:
  • Environment Canada map 82M006 (1:20,000) – out of print but useful.
  • Backroads Mapbooks – offers a decent map of the area.
  • Both are available as geo-referenced PDFs for use in apps like Avenza Maps.

Carry a Portable VHF Radio – The designated frequency for emergency contact is Resource Road Channel RR-9 (150.365). (Use only for emergencies, not for general chat.)
First Aid & Emergency Gear – Pack essentials such as:

• First aid kit
• Fire starter
• Folding saw
• Parachute cord
• Small headlamp

Be Ready for a SAR Call – If you need to call SAR, be prepared to provide:

• Your exact location (Lat/Long, if possible)
• The number of people in your party
• Details of injuries or medical issues
• Your ability to stay out overnight

For more backcountry safety tips, visit AdventureSmart.
 
We also have reports, both from K3 Cat skiing and from our Trip Report form of a small herd of Caribou possible heading towards the North Queest / Gorge area. Here is what you should know.

Caribou 101
The Caribou appear to be moving toward the Gorge area, with likely sightings near the North Queest / Gorge area soon. These animals are following ancient migration routes used for thousands of years. Its important we give them space.
 
Caribou Best Practices:

• Non-disturbance is key. Give them as much space as possible and minimize noise (e.g., sleds, helicopters).
• The minimum distance from sighted animals is 500 meters in any direction.

 
If you encounter Caribou:

• Adjust your plans, such as changing your skin track direction or ski line.
• Alert others in your party and other user groups of the location.
• Avoid following fresh Caribou tracks.

 
The closer you are, the higher the likelihood of stress for the animals, causing them to exert unnecessary energy. Winter is a critical time when their fat reserves are low, and they must conserve energy.
 
Caribou in winter are typically found in tree line and below tree line areas. The high snowpack allows them to evade predators and access their primary food source, lichen (“Old Man’s Beard”), found hanging from trees. Recreationalists are most likely to encounter Caribou in old-growth areas at these elevations.
 
When migrating, Caribou often walk in each other's tracks, which can make estimating their numbers difficult. If they remain in an area for a longer period, their tracks spread out.

Be Prepared
A reminder that the Gorge Ski Touring Association has no operations and is not responsible for any activities at the Gorge. The area is remote and features avalanche terrain ranging from simple to complex. Please check avalanche.ca before heading out.
Important Radio Restrictions
Traveling on the Forest Service Road requires compliance with updated radio regulations:

• As of October 31, 2023, the Craigellachie-Anstey Gorge Road (0839.01) requires two-way radios 7 days a week (October 31 to May 1).
• The designated frequency is Resource Road Channel RR-9 (150.365).

Let’s all do our part to ensure safe access for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support! If you have questions, suggestions, or would like to get more involved, please reach out.
 Gorge Ski Touring Association Steering Committee
 www.gorgeskitouringassoc.ca