Allison Pass at 4:15 p.m., Dec. 20 (Image Credit: Drive BC)

By James Peters

Wild Weather

‘Really ridiculous’: Environment Canada says Friday B.C. snowfall brought rare intensity

Dec 22, 2019 | 10:34 AM

Kamloops, B.C. – A veteran forecaster with Environment Canada says the intensity of the system dumping snow over the B.C. Interior may come once a year.

“I’ve been doing this business for thirty-some years and I remember this kind of thing happening,” Doug Lundquist told CFJC Today. “It might not be every year — or maybe once a year — to have it set up like that. So it’s not out of character. Perhaps it’s just a tiny bit more over the top than I used to remember. Maybe 20 per cent more precipitation, slightly warmer air.”

Lundquist says the system stalled over the province right now is an atmospheric river — formerly known as a Pineapple Express — and is expected to wait until Saturday night before moving off.

“There is going to be a lot more snow yet. It’s racking up four, five centimetres an hour every now and then at places like Allison Pass and Coquihalla Summit. It’s really ridiculous,” said Lundquist.

Before it does move off, Lundquist says the snowfall amounts could be in the record-breaking range.

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“We had already, in 24 hours at Allison Pass, 80 to 90 centimetres — almost a meter. So let’s call a meter in one day, which is crazy. And [Coquihalla Summit] isn’t far behind that.”

For those who don’t need to travel, Lundquist says it’s best to look at the bright side.

“This is probably a dream for the skiers. Just think about it. If you’re a boarder, you’re going to be a pig in mud with this — or perhaps stuck in the snow. There’s a lot of good that can come out of it, so I want people to be excited about getting a chance to enjoy what we get but get there safely.”

Travel advisories remain on the Trans Canada and Coquihalla Highways.