Have a look at the data and graphs below. What patterns appear to be emerging?
Will accelerating climate change affect the snow pack on our Larch Hills Ski Area?
Each Winter Season’s Snowfall Accumulation is different. We know this based on our snow shovelling efforts around home. Compare the snowfall accumulation/depletion patterns in the graphs below for the period early January thru late March /early April for past 7 seasons (2015 – 2021) at the same 4 elevations: 1000 M, 1057 M, 1200 M and 1400 M along the Larch Hills Trails
| Larch Hills Snow Depth Measurements | Parking Lot 1000M | S. Hub. 1057M | Cec’s Cabin 1200M | The Summit 1400M |
| 2007 – 2021 – 15 Yr. Avg. early Jan. Snow Depth (cm) | 50.2 | 60.3 | 82.9 | 91.7 |
| Jan. 2, 2021 measured snow depths (cm) | 57 | 74 | 87 | 91 |
| Early Jan. 2020 Snow Depth (cm) | 99 Double, 2.1X 14 Yr. Avg. | 120 Nr. double, 1.9X 14 Yr. Avg. | 133 1.7X 14 Yr. Avg. | 142 1.6X 14 Yr. Avg. |
| 2007 – 2019 – 13 Yr. Avg. early March Snow Depth (cm) | 61.5 | 92.4 | 110.0 | 127.7 |
| Early March 2020 Snow Depth (cm) | 84 1.4X 14 Yr. Avg. | 113 1.2X 14 Yr. Avg. | 128 1.2X 14 Yr. Avg. | 145 1.1X 14 Yr. Avg. |
At the Chalet (1000m) early March snow depths of 106 cm were about 75% above the 12-year average early March snow depth of 61 cm.
“Snow Rangers”, Jim & Marcia and Keith skied, hiked and “water skied” to the Summit on April 2, 2015 to measure snow depths. A sunny 5 hour expedition!
Observations and 12-Yr. Averages from 2007 to 2018
- The minimum early March snow depth measured at the Chalet was in 2010: 4 cm
- The maximum early March snow depth measured at the Chalet was in 2018: 106 cm.
- 12-year average early March snow depth measured at the Chalet (1000M elevation) is 62 cm.
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 1800M elevation (est. 1984): – located between Sugar Lake and Mabel Lake
2017- 2018 Snow Depth Observations and Wrap-Up
- Between 1000M (Chalet) and 1400M (The Summit) based on 2007 – 2018 early March Total snow depth measurements it appears snow depths increase by 2.1 times – more than double (62 cm to 131 cm).
- Between 1000M (Chalet) and 1200M (Cec’s Cabin) based on 2007 – 2018 early March Total snow depth measurements it appears snow depths increase by 1.8 times – less than double (62 cm to 112 cm).
- Between 1000M (Chalet) and 1057M (South Hub) based on 2007 – 2017 early March 10 Year Total snow depth measurements it appears snow depths increase by 1.5 times (62 cm to 93 cm).
- Next Report in early March 2019 – the 13th consecutive year of these Larch Hills paired, 4 elevations, snow depth measurements.
- Next snow depth measurements in early January 2019.
- Contact Keith Cox (832-7768) or George Zorn (832-9335) if you have questions.
