Probably all the images on this blog that show snow makes for some boring reading, but some of us are beginning to use this site as something of an anecdotal record of the snowpack and conditions in past years. For me living at 300 feet above sea level, any snow is always a bit of a novelty. So, yesterday — Saturday — was my first time this season in the local hills playing in the snow. Thinking that there would be very little snow, I borrowed a pair of snowshoes — it was my first time on snowshoes. I enjoyed the experience, but I am glad that when I decided to hike in the local snow (mid 90s) most people used skis… so that is what I learned.
We parked close to the Hollyburn Mountain Hiker’s trail at 2980 feet. The snow is not deep, but there would have been enough to ski
At 3300 Feet we left the trail and headed west into the beautiful high altitude forest. There was lots of snow
Sometimes, as we climbed the hill, the soft sun shone through the clouds. My friend had loaned me his modern hi-tech snowshoes. He was on old military spec titanium tennis-racket shoes
Creek-gully — creek not fully covered with snow
I was horrified to read that yesterday (Sunday) a backcountry skier close to location described in this article perished as a result of an accident. According to Curtis Jones of North Shore Rescue, “This accident occurred in a common back-country ski area between the Nordic area and the downhill area of Cypress. He was skiing a gladed area when, it is assumed, he tumbled into a depression at a base of tree that was full of water… Sadly, the young man passed away last night in hospital. I would like to offer my, and my teams, sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
More information at http://www.northshorerescue.com/2012/12/cypress-cardiac-arrest/