‘Canadian Ski Resort’ Hits 100-inch Mark before its opening day
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, British Columbia, reported yesterday that it has already received 100 inches of snowfall this season.
Here’s the kicker: Revy has yet to open. Resort officials plan to open the season on November 30th.
Revy isn’t unusual to receive such a heavy snowfall. Snowfall levels so far place the resort somewhere in the middle of historical November snowpacks.
A record 170 inches of snow fell at Revy in November 2016 (by the 30th). Snowfall averages 413 inches a year at the resort.
What’s in store for Revy? Several inches of snow are predicted this Friday and Saturday, according to the resort’s weather tab. This prospective — but not guaranteed — La Nia could be a blessing for Revy.
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In its latest diagnostic discussion, NOAA noted there is a 57% chance of La Nia during October and December. Revy is usually favored by this climatic phenomenon for snowfall.
La Nia winters cause a quick shift in the jet stream, a powerful air current that moves rapidly northward, as an article by the resort recently explained.
This shift creates a northwest flow, which funnels cold, moisture-laden air from the Pacific into British Columbia, changing weather patterns. Snowfall increases as this air travels inland and over the mountains because of the rapid cooling.”
Whether or not La Nia affects Revy, it is already far stronger than last year. Snow fell on November 19th, 2023, resulting in 59 inches of snow on the resort.
Snowfall and temperatures were low throughout the rest of that season, making powder frenzy unlikely.
There’s a good chance that the incoming winter will buck that trend — so far, at least. The British Columbian economy has also started strong. On November 21st, Whistler Blackcomb will open a day early, after accumulating a healthy coating of fresh snow.
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