Storms, warm weather delay start of North Shore ski season

Rainstorms and warm weather have delayed opening day on the North Shore mountains.

Snowpack levels on the North Shore mountains remain below normal as heavy rainfall and above-average temperatures continue to delay the start of ski season, but forecasters say conditions could improve later this week.

As of mid-December, none of the region’s three local ski hills — Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour — has announced a firm opening date. At this time last year, both Cypress and Grouse had already been open for about three weeks, while Seymour opened on Dec. 17.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says the recent atmospheric rivers significantly reduced what was already limited snowpack on the mountains.

“When the atmospheric rivers pointed right at the south coast of British Columbia, we bounded up freezing levels substantially to well above 2,500 metres, and any precipitation that was coming down was coming down in the form of rain,” said meteorologist Brian Proctor. “So whatever snow we had up there, we washed it off.”

Mount Seymour says it plans to provide an update on opening plans Thursday, while Cypress Mountain says it is ready to open once sufficient snow accumulates. The resort noted its latest-ever opening was three decades ago, on Dec. 23.

“Back then, we didn’t have the snowmaking system we have now,” the mountain said in a social media post. “We’re much better equipped now to respond quickly once Mother Nature gives us the green light.”

Forecasters say that green light may be approaching, as colder temperatures are expected to return to the region.

“We’re seeing much more normal-like conditions, where the top of the North Shore mountains is going to be seeing temperatures low enough to produce snowfall,” Proctor said.

“Especially towards the end of the work week and into the weekend.”