Local mountains still snowy, unsafe for hikers despite sunny weather
Posted April 25, 2018 2:01 pm.
Last Updated April 25, 2018 2:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We’re getting this Spring’s first real run of warm weather this week and perhaps that’s getting you thinking about hitting the Grouse Grind. However, you’ll have to wait a little while yet before attempting to set a new personal best.
It can be deceiving when you’re at the base of the mountain but once you get up to higher elevations you’re essentially dealing with winter conditions, including ice and snow.
Jeff Fitzpatrick with Metro Vancouver says there’s no firm date on when the trail will be open.
“There’s about three metres of snow at the top end of the mountain, so the stairs, safety netting and ropes are all currently buried under the snow. So, the snow freezes overnight but it becomes quite slushy in the daytime and it’s very unstable in those steep sections.”
Those winter conditions aren’t restricted to Grouse. Local rescue crews are warning you to be aware and extra careful if you plan on hitting the backcountry anytime soon.
“Safety is our primary concern. If someone were to fall and injured themselves in the snowy, icy terrain up there, it would be very difficult and dangerous for — not only themselves — but for rescue personnel and regional park staff to provide assistance and get up there and help them.”
He adds park staff are always out monitoring the weather and the conditions and that will play a big factor as to when Metro Vancouver decides to open the grind. They’ll also be conducting “spring maintenance” on the trail and it should be complete by either late May or early June.
The trail starts at 300 metres elevation and climbs to 1,100 metres over a distance of about 2.5 kilometres.
