Spring 2011 Traverse Conditions

Traverse season has started in the mountains of western Canada and the buzz is this is the year to go. Why not get out there and enjoy the incredible mountains and glaciers we are so lucky to have in our backyard?

This year, many areas have had above average snowfall at higher elevations and near record snow accumulation below treeline and in the valleys. Access and egress from the mountains on skis will be possible late into the spring at all but the lowest elevations. The only downside to this may be that some logging roads that are usually open at this time of year will not be passable by vehicles. Snowmobile access should be good for quite a while unless we get heavy rain at lower elevations.

It is still winter above treeline and we continue to have new snow accumulating in the mountains. While this will create new snow instabilities, wind slabs and promote cornice growth, the upside is travel conditions will be maintained in many areas well into May.

Below you can see the "% of normal" snowpack in various region – most on the plus side!

Basin % of Normal 

Upper Fraser 105%

Netchako            105%          

Middle Fraser      105%        

Lower Fraser         131%  

South Thompson 111%      

Nicola 106%       

Columbia          101%

Kootenay         110%    

Skeena-Nass    102%

Peace                 99%  

Vancouver Island  153% 

South Coast   133% 

North Thompson  95%  

Similkameen   101% 

Okanagan-Kettle   107% 

Be safe out there and post some pics for us working stiffs!