Vancouver Island sees 15 centimetres of snow

Summary

Vancouver Island experienced a winter wonderland over the weekend, with snow blanketing the region. The Nanaimo area saw up to 5 cm of accumulation, surprising long-time residents who thought they had escaped the snow. While the snowfall posed challenges for transportation and caused power outages, it was a delight for skiers at Mount Washington. However, the fresh powder also increased avalanche risks in the backcountry, prompting search and rescue teams to remind adventurers about safety precautions. Motorists were advised to exercise caution on potentially icy roads and check driving conditions, as snow tires remain mandatory on major highways until April 30th.

Takeaways

• ⛄ Vancouver Island experienced significant snowfall over the weekend, with some areas receiving up to 5 cm of accumulation.
• 🌨️ The recent snowfall has increased the avalanche risk in the backcountry areas of Vancouver Island, prompting warnings from authorities.
• 🚌 Several school bus routes in the Campbell River region were canceled on Sunday due to the snowy conditions.
• ⚡ Bowen Island experienced power outages amid the winter weather.
• ⛷️ The fresh snowfall was welcomed by skiers at Mount Washington, where 11 cm of snow fell in 48 hours.
• 🚗 Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the roads, as black ice may have formed due to the wet snow followed by dropping temperatures.
• 🌡️ Despite the recent snowfall, the weather in March on Vancouver Island can be unpredictable, with some residents recalling instances of wearing short sleeves during this month in previous years.
• ⚠️ Authorities are reminding drivers to check the latest driving conditions on Drive BC and consider adjusting their travel plans or avoiding non-essential travel if icy conditions persist.
• 🗓️ Snow tires are still required on many major BC highways until April 30th.
• 🔮 Vancouver Island Violet, a local weather prognosticator, has accurately predicted six more weeks of winter for two consecutive years, with the recent snowfall seemingly confirming her forecast.

Q & A

Who is Vancouver Island Violet and what does she do?

Vancouver Island Violet is a local forecaster who has been providing weather predictions since 2022. The transcript mentions that she has correctly predicted six more weeks of winter weather for two consecutive years.

What was the recent snowfall situation on Vancouver Island?

According to the transcript, snow fell across Vancouver Island over the weekend. The Nanaimo area saw up to 5 cm of accumulation on Sunday night.

How did the residents of Nanaimo react to the snowfall?

One resident mentioned that they moved to Nanaimo from the interior of British Columbia to get away from the snow, but were surprised to see snowfall in early March after living there for 35 years. The resident noted that March weather in Nanaimo can vary, with some days being warm enough for short sleeves and others allowing for building snowmen.

What challenges did the recent snowfall present for transportation?

The transcript mentions that the wet snow followed by dropping temperatures overnight created ideal conditions for black ice formation, making driving conditions challenging. Some bus routes in the Campbell River region were canceled on Sunday due to the snow.

How did the snowfall impact postal services and power supply?

Canada Post service was disrupted in Bowen Island, and the island also experienced a power outage due to the snowfall.

How did the snowfall benefit ski resorts?

Mount Washington, a ski resort, received 11 cm of fresh snow over a 48-hour period, providing a welcome break for skiers.

What was the impact of the snowfall on avalanche risk in the backcountry?

According to the Comox Valley Search and Rescue, the recent snowfall increased the avalanche risk in the backcountry, with accumulations ranging from 50 to 100 cm in the Alberni Valley backcountry over the past few days.

What advice was given regarding backcountry safety during this period?

The Search and Rescue team emphasized the importance of following good habits and going back to basics when venturing into the backcountry during this time of increased avalanche risk.

What recommendations were made for drivers during the snowy conditions?

Drivers were advised to check the latest driving conditions on DriveBC and adjust their schedules or avoid travel if icy conditions were present. The transcript also reminded drivers that snow tires are still required on many major BC highways until April 30th.

Who provided the information in the transcript?

The information in the transcript was provided by Clare Palmer of CBC News in Nanaimo.