Tag Archives: Dakota Ridge

Weather

Bring on the snow! Dakota Ridge reopens March 2

Editor’s note: While the recent snowfall is welcome, snowpacks are still way below normal. As of March 1, the BC Government snow report states the snowpack was only increased to 69% of median (from 64% on Feb 15). The most significant gains (11%) were on Vancouver Island. Dakota Ridge is southeast of Cortes on the Sunshine Coast. While Cortes Island’s aquifers are not dependent on mountain fed streams, we tend to be drier than surrounding areas and have been in the midst of recent droughts.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sunshine Coast residents have another chance to enjoy some winter recreation such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

With a favourable forecast on the horizon, Dakota Ridge recreational area is once again open to the public. 

Continue reading Bring on the snow! Dakota Ridge reopens March 2 →
Weather

Sunshine Coast Weathers Atmospheric Rivers

Editor’s note: Cortes Island tends to be a bit drier than the Sunshine Coast. Data from the Cortes Island School weather station shows that 62.4 mm fell between January 26 and February 1. That is 8.5 mm less than what the following article states fell in Sechelt.

According to the Snow Conditions Commentary, on the BC Government website, “Beginning on January 26th, a series of storms impacted the province, primarily impacting Vancouver Island and the South Coast. Many of the storms were classified as atmospheric rivers sourced from tropical regions. The result was very heavy rainfall through much of the coast with temperatures at or near record high temperatures during the period of January 26 to February 1st.”

The closure of Dakota Ridge, due to a unseasonably low snowpack, is troubling. This is not an isolated incident and may lead to low streamflow during the summer. Mount Cain is closed until further notice. A post on their website states, ‘We do not have enough snow to safely operate. We need a big dump to get back up and running, like 50cm at least.” The slopes at Mount Washington have been closed ‘for the last couple of days’ but are scheduled to reopen today.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A series of atmospheric rivers had heavy rain and wind battering B.C.’s South Coast region this week. 

Continue reading Sunshine Coast Weathers Atmospheric Rivers →
Weather

Dakota Ridge remains closed due to unseasonably warm weather

Editor’s note: Last Friday we reprinted an article discussing the lower snowfalls on Mount Washington and the Comox Glacier in recent years. On the other side of the Salish Sea, Whistler Blackcomb opened on November 23, 2023, but conditions are poor. Closer to Vancouver, Mt Seymour, Cypress Mountain and Grouse Mountain are all open but so far this year report poor conditions.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While the snow may be taking its time to reach the Sunshine Coast, forecasts suggest that this may be changing over the next week. In the meantime, the Coast’s winter playground, Dakota Ridge, remains closed.

Continue reading Dakota Ridge remains closed due to unseasonably warm weather →