silver lining

I've been on a bit of a tirade the last few days. Time to soften it up a bit...

The good news about the monsoons that fouled the city's drinking water is that it translates into snow on the Coast Mountains. That translates into Grouse, Cypress and Whistler ski hills opening a couple of weeks early. Grouse has 108 cm/43.2 inches of snow already. The weather is still a bit unstable, and Grouse has released this advisory for today:

Due to strong winds and the uncertainty of the weather this afternoon, Grouse Mountain has suspended operations for the rest of the day. We will be open tomorrow as usual. We appologise for any inconvenience.

There is a palpable exuberance to the report. We opened early, but have to close. And they forgot to check the spelling. But they must be happy after a few lack-lustre years. Any happy skiers/snow boarders out there?

Grouse reports on-going labour shortages. Hardly surprising as the unemployment levels remain low in the Lower Mainland.

Current Conditions at Grouse Mountain: (11:47 AM November 19/06)

STRONG WINDS!!!

Temperature: 3 ºC / 37.4 ºF
Overnight Low: -1 ºC / 30.2 ºF
Humidity: 76 %
Visibility: variable


Average Snow Depth: 108 cm / 43.2 in
New Snow Overnight: 5 cm / 2 in
New Snow Past 24hrs: 5 cm / 2 in
Freezing Level: 2000 m / 6667 ft
Total Snowmaking: 0 cm
Total Snowmaking in past 24 hrs: 0 cm
Total Snow Fall 06/07: 149 cm

Current Conditions at Cypress Bowl (11/19/2006 6:30:00 AM)

Conditions: : EXTREME
Base Temp: 4 deg. Celsius

Visibility: : Unlimited
Winds: : STRONG
Fresh Snow:: 0 cm
Snow Depth: (Mid Mtn): 115cm

THE SKI AREA WILL BE CLOSED TODAY DUE TO EXTREME WINDS AND HEAVY PRECIPITION. BOTH THE DOWN HILL AND CROSS COUNTRY AREA WILL OPEN TOMORROW (Monday) AT 9AM

Here are the Whistler conditions:

Last Updated:
Nov. 19 at 06:12
NEW SNOW from whistlerblackcomb.com Snow:
New 24 Hours 48 Hours 7 Days Snowbase
2 cm 12 cm 22 cm 129 cm
1 in 5 in 9 in 51 in
Total cumulative snowfall *Snow depths are measured at Pig Alley Weather
Station - 1650m (Mid-Mountain) on Whistler Mtn.
252 cm
99 in



WEATHER Weather:
Temp at 12:30 Winds Visibility
Peak -3°C / 27°F Strong at 28-55 km/h from the SE Variable
Alpine 1°C / 35°F
Village 3°C / 37°F (Environment Canada Forecast)

Visibility variable, alpine temp-3, valley temp 2, winds srtong from south. Freezing level 1800m and falling. 20-30 cm of new snow today, alpine high 0, alpine low-6, winds strong from south, freezing level valley (Environment Canada Alpine Forecast)

1000 acres of terrain open on Whistler
Upload and download available via Village and Creekside gondolas
Early season conditions apply. Please ski andride with care.
Watch for unmarked rocks and obstacles
Park rails and snow features available at top of Emerald Express