Cascade Valley (file photo)
Dec 20, 2020: Cascade Valley in Banff National Park has been groomed and trackset to the 6K bridge. Thin snow cover over uneven surface. More snow is needed to cover rocks, roots and creeks.
Winter storm warnings have been issued for most of the SkierBob domain for tomorrow(Monday). On the first day of winter, it’s only fitting that we have a significant snowfall.
“Accumulations may even reach 30-50 cm in higher elevations of the foothills. Winter storm watches are in effect for southern Alberta. Difficult travel is likely in the hardest-hit areas. Snowfall will begin to move into southern Alberta by midday Monday.”
As I’ve already cautioned, these major storms preceeded by strong winds could bring down a lot of trees on the trails. It may take some time to clear the fallen trees and get the snow packed. Hopefully we’ll have a nice selection of trails to ski by Christmas.
Banff trail natural snow at Canmore Nordic Centre
Canmore Nordic Centre update
No snow all day at West Bragg Creek… until 4:01, when the first flakes started falling. Conditions were great for fat-biking.
Hopefully this snow will continue to fall all night, as heavily as forecast.
Looks like Steve is getting his Christmas wish! Couches will be marshmallows temporarily, with west elk pass locations difficult to get to. Pipestone location should fare better than PLPP. Maintenance and perhaps more couches coming soon. Happy holidays!
To add to your snow forecast, Environment Canada suggests there will be above average temperatures to the end of February, making for pleasant skiing on blue Swix waxes. The snow that falls this week should make for nice snow base in March, April and May when temperatures in the Great Canadian Rockies are expected to be below normal making for a potentially extended long XC ski season- so the Environment Canada long range Probabilistic Forecast maps suggest- eeehhaaawww!
I don’t trust ’em