KHC organizes snowshoeing events once there is enough snow.   Some information is provided here for members and hike leaders:

• Over the last 10 years, the date for the first snowshoe event has varied from Nov. 25 to Dec. 26.
• Even when it snows 15 cm, it takes a while for the snow to set up, which is a process of settling, melting and freezing, and consolidating.    That is why ski hills and cross country trails use machines to speed the process.    Before the snow is set up, snowshoers sink to the bottom and are shoeing on rocks, branches, and dirt.
• Higher areas get more snow early.     We can go to a high location to find more snow, but the caveat is that the road must be driveable.
• The first area to snowshoe is usually Silver Star or any spot where we can go to about 5000 feet.
• Popular snowshoe areas in the 3000 – 4200 foot levels (McGillivray Lake, Lac le Jeune, Stake Lake, Dogwood Marshes, Isobel Lake, etc.) usually can’t be snowshoed until the second week of December, or later.
• Even when there is lots of snow and the road can be driven, there may not be a place to park since snowplows mound up the snow when they clear the roads.
• Winter hiking is usually fine through to January, then returns by mid-February.  .

First KHC Snowshoe Event:

• 2012 – Dec. 26
• 2013 – Dec. 6
• 2014 – Dec. 5
• 2015 – Nov. 25
• 2016 – Dec. 10
• 2017 – Dec. 26
• 2018 – Dec. 8
• 2019 – Dec. 21
• 2020 – Covid – no December events

Elevations for Snowshoe Areas:

• Sun Peaks to McGillivray Lake – 1202 m to 1404m (3943 to 4606 ft)
• McQueen Lake – Isobel Lake area – 974 to 1011m (3195 to 3316 ft.)
• Embleton Mountain – 980 to 1444 m (3512 to 4737 ft.)
• Bush Lakes – 1300m (4265m)
• Stake Lake – 1326m – 1450 m (4350 to 4757 ft)
• Lac le Jeune – 1301m (4268 ft.)
• Ridge Lakes1301 – 1521 m (4268 – 4924 ft)
• Lodgepole Lake – 1416 – 1502 m (4645 to 4986 ft)
• Harper Mountain – 1202 – 1440m (3943 to 4724 m)
• Sovereign Lakes – 1672m (5485 ft)
• Larch Hills – 1060m (3477 ft)
• Skmana – 603 m (1978 ft)

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Doug Smith

Retired now, I get into the outdoors most days to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, run, walk, or explore. More information can be found at: KamloopsTrails.net.

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