Whistler gets first snowfall of the season
This year's La Nina is expected to bring plenty of powder to the mountains
By Tamara Baluja, CBC News Posted: Sep 02, 2016 2:07 PM PT Last Updated: Sep 02, 2016 9:42 PM PT
Whistler Blackcomb got about three centimetres of snow in the high alpine areas of the mountain resort overnight. (Whistler Blackcomb)
Heading to Whistler for the long weekend? Then you might want to pack warmly.
Whistler Blackcomb got about three centimetres of snow in the high-alpine areas of the mountain resort overnight.
Sarah Morden, a spokeswoman for the ski resort, says the light dusting was the first accumulation of the season.
"You can feel the shift in the season happening here," she said.
"Definitely, the autumn leaves are changing colour, and the snowfall just solidifies that."
The snowfall on Whistler seen from the 7th Heaven webcam. (Whistler Blackcomb)
CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe says the snowfall in September isn't unusual.
The higher elevation snow is the result of a cold, low-pressure system spinning in the upper atmosphere. It's the same one that brought the cool and rainy weather to Vancouver these past few days, said Wagstaffe.
However, the low pressure system is slowly tracking toward Alberta, so she added there isn't likely to be more fresh powder this weekend.
La Nina likely means more snow
After a summer of El Nino-related weather, B.C. is now expected to experience the effects of La Nina, which could bring with it unusually cool ocean temperatures.
That means a lot of snow for the mountains.
"La Nina seasons have meant abundant winter snowfalls with the snowiest seasons," Morden added, saying there is lots of buzz and excitement for upcoming season.
"Everyone is waiting with bated breath."
