Snow Comparisons

After a couple metres of snowfall  recently up at Paradise Meadows, I did some quick research into comparable snow levels over the past few years.  The winter of 2010-11 was memorable for breaking records for snowfall in the area (total accumulation 1840 cm),  and the previous winter of 2009-10 was close. The  winter of 1998-99 was also noteworthy for the amount of snow that fell (total accumulation of 1836 cm), which led  to the collapse of the Forbidden Ski Lodge at Wood Mountain Park at the south-east edge of Forbidden Plateau.

On the other hand, the winter of 2004-05 had so little snowfall that Mount Washington Alpine Resort never fully opened for skiing! However the following three winters  had more than 1200 cm total accumulation over the season. The winter of 2008-09 was also a lower snow year, with less than 200 cm snowbase by mid-March.

A few notes for comparison, from the past few years at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre:
Mar. 17, 2012: snowbase 520 cm (just over 540 today, Mar. 25)
Mar. 18, 2011: snowbase over 700 cm
Mar. 17, 2010: snowbase almost 600 cm

Judging by these numbers, the meadows may be clear of snow by mid-June this year... however anything can still happen to change that prediction!