Backcountry trails in Lynn Headwaters closed due to winter conditions
Posted November 7, 2022 9:34 am.
Last Updated November 7, 2022 9:35 am.
The blast of winter weather hitting parts of Metro Vancouver has forced the closure of some trails in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
According to the regional district, the backcountry closures are in effect as of Monday due to “unpredictable and rapidly changing hazardous mountain weather conditions.”
Some of the factors leading to the shutdown include snow and ice in steep terrain, heavy rain, rock and ice fall, a lack of visibility, and no trail markers to help guide hikers.
Closures apply to routes that are beyond Norvan Falls, including Hanes Valley and the Grouse subalpine.
Effective today, backcountry routes in #LynnHeadwatersRegionalPark are CLOSED. This applies to routes beyond #NorvanFalls including #HanesValley & in the subalpine (e.g. Crown Mtn). More info: https://t.co/qJpDjTpzRg pic.twitter.com/w7Wkg3tXqo
— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) November 7, 2022
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park features “both rugged backcountry routes that require the right experience, equipment and level of fitness, and frontcountry trails that offer options for those looking for shorter day-hikes,” according to the regional district.
Snow has been falling in higher elevations for days now. However, on Sunday, much of the Metro Vancouver region saw flurries, with some areas — those higher up — seeing up to four centimetres accumulate.
While a snowfall warning, issued Saturday, has expired for Metro Vancouver, one remains in place for the eastern Fraser Valley, covering the Coquihalla and parts of Highway 3.
Environment and Climate Change Canada warns up to 20 centimetres of snow could fall in the areas between Hope and Merritt, and Hope and Princeton.
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Multiple weather warnings in B.C. for snow, cold conditions
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Shift in B.C.’s weather, North Shore Rescue issues backcountry warning
The first notable snow of the season comes after North Shore Rescue told CityNews it was expecting the upcoming winter and tail-end of fall to be a busy period for the team.
“You need to have the appropriate clothing with you. You need to have the appropriate footwear and we always recommend you carry micro-spikes year-round,” explained NSR team leader Mike Danks, who noted many people often don’t realize that conditions vary greatly between lower and higher elevations.
“When we do get into snow conditions, it’s a good thing to prompt everyone about being aware that down the road when we have a larger snowpack, you need to be aware of avalanche conditions.”
Listen to CityNews 1130 for weather updates every 10 minutes after traffic on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on Twitter and sign up for breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
