The pattern of each winter’s snowfall accumulations and depletion is different. We know this based on our snow shoveling efforts around home. How do the Larch Hills measured snow depths in early January 2025 and early March 2025 compare with the average snow depths measured over the past 18 ski seasons? What trends can be inferred based on our measurements?
Early January 2025 measured snow depths were 8% more than the 19-seasons average at the Chalet but 17% less than the 19 season average at South Hub. Skiing to higher elevation, measured snow depths were 35% and 18% less than the 19-seasons average at Cec’s Cabin and the Summit respectively.
Click to enlarge graph below.
2007 – 2024 Measured Snow Depths: Minimums, Maximums and 18 Seasons averages to April 2, 2024
- The minimum early March snow depth measured at the Chalet were on March 4, 2010: 4 cm. Snow was trucked from Manning Park to the Vancouver North Shore mountains for the Alpine events that February for the 2010 Winter Olympics. South Hub’s minimum measured snow depth was also on March 4, 2010: 56 cm
- The maximum early March snow depth measured at the Chalet was March 5, 2018: 106 cm. March 5, 2018 measured snow depths were also the deepest for the 2007 – 2024, 18 seasons measurement period: South Hub: 130 cm, Cec’s Cabin: 157 cm, the Larch Hills Summit: 181 cm.
- 18 Seasons Average (2007 – 2024) early March snow depths measured at the Chalet (1000M elevation) is 58 cm. South Hub (1050M elevation) is 94 cm. Cec’s Cabin (1200M elevation) is 103 cm. The Larch Hills Summit (1400M elevation) is 126 cm.
Click to enlarge the table below then click on the magnifying lens icon to enlarge.
2007 – 2023, 18 Seasons of measured Snow Depths: Snow Accumulation and Depletion patterns each season with trend lines.
Chalet Elevation snow depths averaged 50 cm. The blue dotted trend line is flat.
The snow depth trend lines for South Hub, Cec’s Cabin and the Summit have all increasing slightly over the past 18 seasons.
Click to enlarge graph below.
Reports:
- Snow Trends in the Thompson River Basin (November 2006): a report by LHNS Member
Bill Grainger for LHNS – Nov. 14, 2006 - Regional Changes in Snowpack in B.C. (1950-2014): a report by Environmental Reporting BC
- BC River Forecast Centre Automated Snow Pillow Real-Time Data: Park Mtn 1900M elevation (est. 1984): – located between Sugar Lake and Mabel Lake. Measured snow depths as of Jan. 8, 2025 are less than the Historical Dailly Median but above 2023-24 measure snow depths to early January 2025.
- El Niño and La Niña Years and Intensities – Based on Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), Updated thru January 2024 – February 2024 – March 2024
Contacts:
If you have questions or would like to participate in one of four Winter 2024 / 2025 snow depths measurements skis to the Summit or part way please contact George at 250-832-9335 or Keith at 250-832-7768. Skiing time to the Summit and back to the Parking Lot including measurements, breaks and lunch at the Summit is about 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on snow conditions.
March 1, 2024: Snow Depth Measurement Skiers taking a break on the way to the 1400M Summit snow stations.
