How to Storm Chase and Perfect Snowstorm in Canada
When you see it move from that beautiful blue-magenta blob, your pulse elevates. It’s snowing and you’re going to ski or ride, so cancel that dentist appointment.
Those who can navigate some weather sites, hop in the car on a day’s notice, and drive to the best snow may be amateur powder chasers. But some people are already skiing or riding that powder before you’ve finished your latte.
You binge-watched Netflix, and they’ll have tracked the storm that’ll deliver the deepest snow total at the ski resort with the perfect steep pitch and the highest chance of opening the best terrain—and they’ll be there first. Because they love high-quality snow and have flexible jobs that allow them to leave anytime.
How Does Storm Chasing Work?
In storm chasing, the objective is to observe or document severe weather conditions. In addition to tornadoes, chasing snowstorms is also a captivating experience. In winter, snowstorm chasing is especially popular with photographers and videographers.
How To Be Safe?
Make sure you have the right gear and supplies for storm chasing. Fuel and a reliable vehicle that can handle adverse weather conditions. There are few gas stations open in the evening where we chase; you don’t want to be stranded.
Use Radar Omega or Radarscope to get real-time radar images. It’s not nearly safe to chase with general weather apps like the Weather Network, which show delayed radar imagery. Also, GPS navigation system, first aid kit, food, water, and emergency supplies.
A supercell thunderstorm can be deadly, even life-threatening for those in its path. Chasing could expose you to high winds, lightning, or tornadoes that have caused damage and injury. If you wait for an emergency response team to arrive, having current First Aid training may make a significant difference between life and death for someone.
Snowstorm Chasing in Canada
Snowstorms in Canada are famous for their vast size, diverse geography, and cold climate. In the course of the winter season, Canada is prone to experiencing intense snowstorms due to the combination of arctic air masses and moisture from large bodies of water.
Moreover, Canada’s rural landscapes and mountainous regions offer storm chasers dramatic backdrops.
Canada’s top Snowstorm Reasons
Snowstorm chasers will find a wide variety of landscapes in Canada, from prairies to mountains.
The long winters and cold climate of Canada create frequent snowstorms, particularly in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.
Chasing snowstorms with weather maps
For snowstorm chasing, weather maps are crucial. To predict a snowstorm’s path and intensity, you must understand how to interpret weather models.
Weather patterns to Watch
In combination with cold fronts, these bring snowstorms.
Snowstorms are likely to intensify in areas where jet streams are present since they are responsible for directing air masses.
Canada’s snowstorm types
There are several types of snowstorms in Canada:
Blizzards
Snowstorms called blizzards are the most intense, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds, and low visibility. There can be a long period between them.
Snowstorms
A brief but intense burst of snowfall accompanied by strong winds. In the Great Lakes, snow squalls are common.
A blizzard
During an ice storm, freezing rain forms a layer of ice on surfaces.While ice storms aren’t as common as snowstorms, they do occur. Infrastructure can be significantly damaged during these storms.
Where to Chase Snowstorms in Canada
Quebec and Ontario
Snowstorms are frequent and intense in Quebec and Ontario, due to the influence of the Great Lakes and Arctic air masses. Blizzards and heavy snowfall are often experienced in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa.
Alberta and British Columbia
As a result of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia, snowstorm chasing is a dramatic activity. As a result of the orographic effect, moisture is typically pushed up over the mountains, causing snowstorms in these regions.
Safe Driving
Conclusion
Snowstorm chasing is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the raw power of winter in Canada. Based on the scientific evidence.