Friday, December 31, 2021
Booting 2021 - and hoping for a better 2022
Photos in no particular order.
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| Vicki Stafford photo of fire heading south from the ignition point. |
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| Someone with a sense of humour. |
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| BC Wildfire photo - too close for comfort. |
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| Sign courtesy of Munday Media and Design |
Friday
Cold but beautiful day - could have stopped dozens of times on the road to take photos.
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| Fire break trees have been processed - will there be easy firewood this summer? |
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Thursday
The weather is moderating - got up to minus11C this afternoon, and some good skiing out there - face covering recommended.
Vernon Search and Rescue has advice for anyone heading to the backcountry this winter - Vernon News
Vernon Search and Rescue has advice for anyone heading to the backcountry this winter - Vernon News: While it may be a winter wonderland out there, it can also be hazardous.
Binding Release Settings
A life long friend injured his knee at Big White yesterday - his binding did not release. They were new skis and bindings last season, so I would assume they were set correctly, but last night he wasn't walking, so did not go check his skis.
Over the years, the "DIN" setting calculation has added variables like age to the calculation. Binding checks are recommended to be done in a shop, but there are many online calculators you can use to check.
I used https://www.dincalculator.com/ this morning. The number generated for me is "7", but I prefer a lighter setting - mine are set just above 6.
If you've been skiing the same gear for awhile, it doesn't hurt to check.
Edge Bistro at Apex closes out of caution after potential COVID-19 exposure - Penticton News
Edge Bistro at Apex closes out of caution after potential COVID-19 exposure - Penticton News: Apex Mountain's Edge Bistro has decided to close briefly due to a potential COVID-19 exposure.
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Cold weather causes multiple delays for gondola at Whistler - BC News
Cold weather causes multiple delays for gondola at Whistler - BC News: Whistler’s recent cold weather has led to a number of delays of the Creekside Gondola in the past week.
BC announces 2,944 new coronavirus cases, fives deaths - BC News
BC announces 2,944 new coronavirus cases, fives deaths - BC News: The provincial government has announced 2,944 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours.
- return to school delayed for a week for students
- people who have had covid, and have not been vaccinated, have a dramatically higher risk of getting omicron.
Wednesday
Groomers are great - warmer skiing Lumpy. On my Eagle ride home, the wind in the face started at Tower 11. I adjusted my gear again today, will double up my face coverings tomorrow to see if I can do an extra run.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Tuesday Night
It is 7 degrees C warmer than this time last night. I haven't been to town for a few days, but I have heard that at times it is colder than up here. Tower 3 on the Eagle has a weather station. Click on the link on the sidebar. I am finding the temp on the station pretty much matches my temp probe.
If you go to the page, there is more info on graphs. I don't know about the precip function, but the temp is good.
Avalanche in Kootenays seriously injures two Monday afternoon - BC News
Avalanche in Kootenays seriously injures two Monday afternoon - BC News: An avalanche seriously injured two people in the Kootenays Monday afternoon.
Good Skiing at Minus13c
I had a few runs this afternoon and enjoyed the skiing. I have all the warm gear - but don't use it that often.
The only body part that got cold was my right eye ball - will check all my old goggles and see which pair has the least ventilation.........
As I neared the top of the Eagle to ski home. it was starting to snow.
December 28th
Watch the webcam and BMR Facebook. Eagle is running, Sugar Lump on standby due to winds. Winds seem to be settling down in the village compared to last night.
Monday, December 27, 2021
Slightly Warmer
The forecast is looking promising for a slight improvement in temperature as the week goes on. Eagle opened this afternoon. I was overdressed for my outdoor chores, so I am going to give it ago on the slopes tomorrow.
Quit Whining on Facebook
- Silver Star has already had a fatality in a closed area
- Big White - SAR searching for out of bounds skier who has been missing since 1:00pm yesterday in this cold
- Whistler had a lift incident with gondola units colliding at the base
- Oliver Fire Department had to switch equipment when putting out a vehicle fire yesterday - nozzles and hoses froze up
- Think of the people who lost homes and businesses to flooding
- I couldn't be a lift operator in this weather
- I wouldn't want to be the one having to make operational decisions in this weather
- It is not as cold as yesterday, but it is still cold
- enjoy the sunshine
Search resumes for skier missing out of bounds at Big White - Kelowna News
Search resumes for skier missing out of bounds at Big White - Kelowna News: A search effort is resuming this morning as crews attempt to locate a skier missing out of bounds at Big White Ski Resort.
Stay in bounds - it is way too cold to get lost.
Sunday, December 26, 2021
Baldy Babes 2022
Hello
Baldy Babes!
Yes
there will be a Baldy Babes in 2022! Cheryl and Hilary will continue to
lead it and hope that Marian can make it across the border at some time.
We will start with an informal shoe on January 10th. Meet Cheryl and Hilary
outside the lodge at 10 am and we will go for a two hour shoe. There will
be no formal lunch that day, but you are free to go into the lodge and have
lunch. Vaccine passports are needed for the bar! Then we hope to
start up a more formal program on January 17th with a lunch for all. Watch
for more information after New Years!
No
charge for the shoe on January 10th, if you plan to attend please email Hilary at
hilary@hilarydrummond.com
so we know about how many are coming.
Thanks
and Happy Holidays to you all.
Hilary, Cheryl and Marian
A cold snap will drive temperatures as low as -20C over the next several days in the Southern Interior - Kelowna News
A cold snap will drive temperatures as low as -20C over the next several days in the Southern Interior - Kelowna News: Brace yourselves - it's going to be cold for the next several days, as an Arctic ridge builds up over the Interior of the province.
Boxing Day
No birds, no squirrels trying to beat the new squirrel baffle. Too cold for them to be out?
Sun Peaks Ski Resort closes lifts in response to cold snap - Kamloops News
Sun Peaks Ski Resort closes lifts in response to cold snap - Kamloops News: The Arctic cold snap rolling over B.C. is impacting operations at some ski hills in the Thompson-Okanagan.
Hey - we are lucky - only minus18C
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Friday, December 24, 2021
Your Christmas Eve Weather Report
Thanks Sherry for the photo of the Dad and Daughter duo. The photo says it all. A day like today is good for those of us who have wood heat - helps bring the cabin humidity up.
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| Welcome home Maddy. |
Please slow down
A few extra minutes per trip can save one a big headache. Several car tracks into the snowbank on the road today, and the car reported to the RCMP by several people yesterday is still sitting over the edge - no police tape, so many drivers have stopped to check to see if anyone is inside.
Photo contributed.
* Baldy family member witnessed this incident, picked up the driver, and he was fine.
Adrian Dix and Dr. Henry, provide an update on COVID-19 - BC News
Adrian Dix and Dr. Henry, provide an update on COVID-19 - BC News: Adrian Dix, Minister of Health and Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer, are providing an unscheduled update on COVID-19 as British Columbia's unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases continued on Thursday.
Thanks to Castanet for the graphic below.
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Thank-you to the leadership team.........
If you see Bill, Brandan or Troy tomorrow - take a moment to say thanks. Their long hours are much appreciated in getting us to opening, and good skiing for Christmas.
In a time when employees are hard to find, they have recruited some good people.
I had to remind myself of my own advice the other day when I had to go in and get my pass reprogrammed. ( A "hard reset" of the system from Quebec messed up some passes.)
Be patient.
Christmas Eve
I've had some inquiries, and have read the Public Health Orders. My interpretation is that we will miss another year of a great tradition. Although singing droplets are likely to freeze and fall as soon as they are let loose, now is not the time to move about in a crowd and gather close together around a fire. There are also unvaccinated people in our community.
Stay safe, enjoy some Christmas music in your cabin around the fire.
Eagle Chair Live Weather
Thanks guys. I knew the sensors were there - the system is back up and running. There is a link on the sidebar under snow related links. Marian will be happy - currently I see degrees F.
To switch between F and C. go to wundermap tab, settings
BC announces 2,046 new coronavirus cases; 123 in Interior Health 1 death - BC News
BC announces 2,046 new coronavirus cases; 123 in Interior Health 1 death - BC News: The B.C. government has announced 2,046 new cases of COVID-19 cases in the province, including 123 new cases in Interior Health which brings the total active cases to 699. Those numbers are a new daily case count record and cases have been rising steadily this week.
The numbers are climbing.
Thursday
A little foggy in the morning, but sun and clouds moving in and out during the day. I planned to take photos on my last run, but the sun went behind the clouds.
I checked out Jolly Jack today. It has been marked blue square this year. For my friends who like to ski JJ, I would not recommend it at the moment. The traverse is not bad, but the cat has not climbed up from the bottom, and it isn't skied out enough for knees of my vintage.
The new groomer operators have been doing a good job, but I don't think we'll see PK crossover or a start on Jolly traverse until all three cats are running, and a veteran operator is ready to tackle it with the Bombi.
A long time ago..........there was at least one cat that slid off the Jolly traverse, and a new powder line was cut to get it out. The secret is to do a little at a time, and let it set up. The temptation, is to keep going when it is going well.
We are fortunate that we have good early season coverage this year. The early wet snow bent the alder over, and seems to have coated many obstacles. The newer snow on top makes for some great skiing.
We haven't had pre-Christmas skiing like this for a couple of years.
The rime is coating the "Halloween Trees" and the snow ghosts are growing. On a Firesmart note, the Halloween trees were stunted by altitude, and killed by wildfire over 90 years ago.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Snowing and Safe Arrivals
Great to see more lights on and vehicles in the village now that Hwy 3 is open. It is snowing heavily, so of course Parker is here.
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Pick Up after your dog..........Porcupine Road
The smaller dog that left a trail on the street in front of my place - well you know where that went when the street was cleared.
The larger dog who has found a favourite spot well up my driveway in front of the truck - I don't want to keep cleaning up after your dog.
I'll set up game cameras if I have to.
Tuesday - If the valley temperature kept you away - you missed a good day - warmer up here.
I used to have a link to the weather sensor on the Eagle Chair, but deleted it when it stopped working. Much nicer day up here than in the valley.
I didn't recognize the ski suit, and wondered why this guy was standing watching me take a photo. He was waiting for me to move so he could be sure it was me. Dwight and I worked together 20 years ago. Great afternoon on the corduroy together.
A little plug for a young friend - custom metal fabricating and welding
I haven't seen this guy for awhile - saw his comment of a FB page and followed to his business.
Monday, December 20, 2021
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Friday, December 17, 2021
Tree-sa - keeled over in the wind
Tree-sa keeled over in the wind, likely last night as her clothing is still visible under the snow. Her beau is leaning, but still standing and clothed.
In better days.....
Thank-you Leaders and Team - Great Opening Day
Coverage is better than we have had at opening for some time now. Off piste was variable due to the gusty winds last night, but the groomers were good. I skied full speed down Fairweather, Tennings, and Dividend - only saw one thin spot on upper Dividend. Even Jones was groomed for opening day.
It was minus16C when I went to bed last night, and I waited until it was minus8C before I went out. It is now down to minus 10c
Dress warmly, and enjoy.
New orders limiting indoor gatherings, large events, take effect Monday - BC News
New orders limiting indoor gatherings, large events, take effect Monday - BC News: As the number of new COVID-19 cases rise rapidly in British Columbia with the introduction of the more transmissible Omicron variant, new public health orders will go in effect Monday.
Border restrictions tighten again; PCR tests for trips less than 72 hours - Canada News
Border restrictions tighten again; PCR tests for trips less than 72 hours - Canada News: Canadians’ flirtation with easier trips across the border has been short lived, with Ottawa reintroducing requirements for negative COVID-19 PCR tests for trips under 72 hours.
Darn, and I was so looking forward to chicken parmigiana in Oroville!
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Opening Friday December 17th
I wish to echo the message of patience. There are many new faces, people who are working hard to deliver the Baldy experience.
Good Lunch
There were a lot of village people in the bar for lunch - food was good, discount appreciated. Good to see everyone.
Table set up by the entrance for sign in and vaccine proof check.
Lots of people working - at the loading areas of the lifts, patrol out doing their prep, and snow falling with blustery winds and cooler temperatures.
You'll need your face mask for indoor spaces, and you'll want a neck tube as well. The temperature is forecast to stay cold for another day, slightly warmer Saturday.
Big White makes protocol changes to help lower the transmission of COVID-19 - Kelowna News
Big White makes protocol changes to help lower the transmission of COVID-19 - Kelowna News: Big White Ski Resort says it will be making a number of changes to protocols starting Saturday to ensure guests continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
They have a staff vaccine mandate - sounds like the public aren't always playing by the rules.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
BC government provides update on Coquihalla and flood recovery - BC News
BC government provides update on Coquihalla and flood recovery - BC News: Minister of Transportation Rob Fleming, Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham, and Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth provide an update on progress being made on the Coquihalla Highway and on flood recovery in B.C
Yahoo!
Coquihalla opens some time on Monday the 20th for commercial trucks and buses only.
Essential travel restrictions will be removed from Hwy 3, 24 hours later.
Thank-you Justin - Joe and Marie's grandson - putting in the long hours paving out of Merritt.
Reminder - Thursday Lunch
Baldy Bar will be open 11:30 to 2:30 on Thursday - Baldy residents get 40% off food.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
From Oliver Daily News - update from our MLA
From MLA Roly Russell
Highway 3 & the holidays:
Just a brief update: we’ve been receiving a lot of email and phone calls about how important it is for families (and friends) to be reunited for the Christmas season, this year even more than most. In light of the pandemic, and then the devastating floods in the Similkameen valley, I absolutely understand this need.
I also very clearly understand that for many, the idea of purchasing flights for a family is well beyond reach. And, of course, bus transportation in our rural communities is a real logistical challenge as well. Given all of that, and the restriction of Highway 3 to anything but essential traffic, families are struggling to make Christmas and other holiday plans for the weeks ahead.
I’m reaching out to let you know that for the two weeks I’ve been active in trying to help find possible solutions for this, and I appreciate the suggestions that people have been sharing with me. I’ve had conversations with both Ministers Fleming and Farnworth to be sure they understand the importance of this for rural families that are separated (they do!), as well as see if they can identify a way that we can possibly achieve this safely.
We all understand, I believe and hope, that prioritizing essential travel is vital for our health and security on both sides of the closures. The recent few weeks have shown how delicate the balance can be in terms of keeping Highway 3 access open, and how little wiggle room there is to safely add additional volume.
As Minster Fleming has said, crews are working so tirelessly to get the Coquihalla reopened as soon as possible, which is an essential part of this process to reunite families for the holiday. Even with two feet of snow over the weekend, the roughly 300 people working the get the Coq back open didn’t skip a beat.
So, no breakthroughs yet, but I will commit to keep trying, and I’m confident the Ministers have it top-of-mind; I certainly know how exceptionally important it is, this year especially, to be close to the family and friends we love. I hope we can make it happen.
/Roly
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