Torpy Ice Road Truckin

Submitted by
northrockiesfieldteam
Observations date
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 21:00
Location
54.047940° N 121.251120° W
Reporting on
  • Snow conditions
Map for Mountain Information Network report: Torpy Ice Road Truckin

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
OK
Snow conditions were:
  • Crusty
We rode:
  • Alpine slopes
  • Mellow slopes
  • Open trees
  • Steep slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Cloudy
  • Sunny
  • Warm

Comments

Things are finally cooling down in the Pass Lake area after a few days of high freezing lines and rain. With the cooler temps came a breakable crust that extends right to the top of the ridge at 1990 m. This crust is enough to drag on the sled in turns and sizzle on the skis. The skier in me cringes at how grabby this new crust would be. There is still soft dry snow under it, so the riding isn't terrible if you can get high enough where the crust is thinner.

The cool temperatures have also brought lowered avalanche hazard. The crust locks up the loose wet problems from earlier in the week, prevents any snow transport in the wind, and temperatures are still mild (-2ºC) enough to help bond the old wind slabs at higher elevations.

At valley bottom the crust is thicker over a mushy wet snowpack. The trail in from km 18 on the pass was a icy, rutty, whoopy mess, and the climb up the lower parts of the burn was slick. We struggled to keep our sleds cool on the long, icy ride in.

There's ok riding tp be had at upper elevations if you can get away from the rock hard tracks.
There's ok riding tp be had at upper elevations if you can get away from the rock hard tracks.
Riding was only ok, but a good cup of tea with the views makes any day in the mountains a good one.
Riding was only ok, but a good cup of tea with the views makes any day in the mountains a good one.
The road in is a sheet of ice... bring your studded tires or chains if you want to get up the 10km hill.
The road in is a sheet of ice... bring your studded tires or chains if you want to get up the 10km hill.
The breakable crust is enough to drag on a sled, but not enough to prevent riding. We could still turn, sidehill, bushwack, and climb just fine.
The breakable crust is enough to drag on a sled, but not enough to prevent riding. We could still turn, sidehill, bushwack, and climb just fine.
The trail in is icy and rough. Watch out for those ruts from people riding in the slush a few days ago. They can really grab a carbide if you aren't on your A game.
The trail in is icy and rough. Watch out for those ruts from people riding in the slush a few days ago. They can really grab a carbide if you aren't on your A game.