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!

Gold-level Volunteer: Gerry Roberts

One of the longest-serving volunteer directors for Strathcona Wilderness Institute is Gerry Roberts of Gold River, a small community beyond the western boundary of Strathcona Provincial Park.

International visitor with Gerry at Buttle Lake Information Hut

Gerry has operated the Information Hut at Buttle Lake in the heart of Strathcona Park for over 12 years, giving reliable, up-to-date advice on hiking in Strathcona Park to visitors from all over the world.

Gerry with complete map of Strathcona Park

"Because of the remote situation, Gerry is often a beacon for tourists with all kinds of questions and problems," says Steve Smith, one of the founding directors of the Institute.  "He takes messages for visitors trying to connect with each other, or gives motorists gas if they are in need, and often helps visitors plan their day with safe and sensible suggestions for their hikes. He has on occasion actually taken stranded hikers to his own home to help out."

Visitors at Buttle Lake Hut
 

His good advice and his knowledge of Strathcona Park’s vast wilderness has probably saved many park Search & Rescue calls over the years — and probably saved lives as well. Last year Gerry Roberts was named BC Parks Volunteer of the Year.

Mountains of Snow

With the wild windy weather throughout the whole north Vancouver Island the past week, the alpine area of Mount Washington adjacent to Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Park has now received over 1.6 m of new snow.

The avalanche danger on Vancouver Island is now considered high in the back-country. The Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin report is here.

Currently the snow base is 5.2 m, and a total of 11.1 m  has fallen this season.