Blast of winter dumps snow across B.C. mountains
One of the first big blasts of winter left many parts of B.C. covered with snow on Monday morning, meaning an early opening for at least one ski resort.
There was no snow in low-lying areas of Metro Vancouver on Monday, but higher up on the North Shore, the Cypress Mountain ski resort was preparing to open for skiing on Wednesday after 30 centimetres of snow fell on the resort overnight Sunday.
Environment Canada has lifted a snowfall warning for the central Okanagan, but the region was digging out on Monday after as much as 10 centimetres fell on some areas such as West Kelowna.
The snow continues to pile up in communities across the North Coast where up to 15 centimetres has come down since yesterday, with more expected today. Kitimat is bracing for as much as 10 centimetres before the storm passes.
Snow was reported on most mountain highway passes across B.C., including Sutton Pass between Port Alberni and Tofino on Vancouver Island, but not enough to stop traffic.
Tow truck driver Tony Nally, who is based in Hope, says road conditions on the Coquihalla Highway are actually better than previous years at this time.
"We should have lots of snow up there now but like I said it's a little late coming."
Whistler Blackcomb is still planning to open for skiing on Nov. 22.
