snow distribution in Cascades and iner South Coast ranges

Mountain Conditions Report

<p>In the aftermath of the mid-November tropical rainstorms, many highways and access roads in the eastern Fraser Valley are compromised by washouts. Access to the Canadian Cascades and Eastern slopes of the South Coast mountains will be challenging in the next months. </p> <p>Along with washouts and mudslides, the early snowpack below 1350m was pretty much washed away. Since then, very little snow has accumulated below tree-line. Above tree-line the snowpack seems to be around 120-150cm in and somewhat less in the Cascades. (about 1m of snow height) </p> <p>Yesterday, (Dec 7th) with my partner Tobin, we attempted to reach tree-line in the Nahatlatch area, access roads were in bad shape and after hiking around 6kms in 10-15cm in light dry snow we only reached 1350m. This snow was overlying frozen ground with light Westerly winds and -1 temps </p> <p>Later, a pilot reported an estimated 100-150cm of undisturbed smooth snow around 1800m, not far above the area we reached yesterday. Quite a discrepancy in snowpack over 500m! </p> <p>Today in the Cascade Mtns near Hope BC, Tobin reported being shut down by road washouts in 3 different approach roads; first in Wells-Hope Mtn FSR, next, in a valley near 11 Mile FSR, and finally the Jones Lk FSR, (the road accessing the North side of the Cheam Range), was blocked by mudslide! </p> <p>So far the snowpack distribution is uncommon and may result in an unusual basel layer at lower elevations. Thankfully the coming days are forecast to bring more snow to the lower elevations.</p>