It’s not the kind of weather winter sports enthusiasts like to see.
On Thursday, both Grouse Mountain and Mt Seymour said they were closing runs for skiers and snowboarders.
“Due to inclement weather, skiing and snowboarding is closed today,” reads a statement from Grouse, adding that all other mountaintop activities are open. All ski school lessons have been postponed until the next scheduled lesson date.
Mt Seymour issued a similar notice, but said that the hill would be open as usual on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Lesson participants there were also told to reschedule.
Despite 5 C temperature and steady rainfall, Cypress Mountain Resort remained open.
According to a weather warning issued by Environment Canada, total rainfall of 60 to 120 millimetres of rainfall was expected, with the highest amounts of rain near the North Shore mountains.
The agency warned that heavy rain could cause water to pool on roads and cause localized flooding.
B.C.’s river forecast centre put the majority of the North Shore on flood watch status Thursday: “River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.”
While the amount rain is expected to taper off later in the day on Friday, the forecast is calling for continued wet, warmer weather well into next week.
North Shore News has reached out Grouse and Seymour about other expected closures and how conditions are being affected. This article will be updated with any new information.
Flood Watch issued by the #BC River Forecast Centre for Howe Sound, including tributaries around Squamish, North Shore Mountains, Sunshine Coast, Central Vancouver Island, East Vancouver Island and South Vancouver Island. More info & map: https://t.co/a5VcftIAiW #BCFlood
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) January 12, 2023