Apryl Veld
Ominica Express
Residents of the area are having to adjust to warmer than normal temperatures for early January. While last week saw snow melt and then freeze again, temperatures are expected to continue to rise to in some cases 10 to 15 degrees warmer than historical averages. Environment Canada reports Vanderhoof and area to get highs ranging several degrees above zero during the day this week, while they are also calling for rain at lower elevations.
Highway 16 may see more slush and the subsequent melt and freeze of roads can make getting around more difficult, so safety concerns are part of this trend as well.
Of course there is always the pleasantness of being able to wear less outer-wear as many residents have discovered as well. The first week in January saw shorts and skirts making their way onto Vanderhoof streets.
Fort St. James’ Murray Ridge ski hill is reporting that all main runs are in good condition with lots of snow falling over the weekend and more coming.
“We’re looking at eight to ten inches fresh snow right now,” Ridge general manager, Dan Goff said Saturday.
“The bottom did get pretty firm and fast but we have our groomer out day and night, wall to wall and the skiing is pretty much excellent,” Goff said “we’re actually getting compliments and a lot of people are coming up and saying they didn’t realize it was this good.”