Fernie Snowpack Update shows the alpine snowpack is healthy and tracking right at the 30-year average, particularly at higher elevations where long-term snow storage matters most.

Snow pillow data from Morrissey Ridge at 6,100 feet shows the alpine snowpack sitting squarely at the 30-year average. Provincial snow survey data reinforces that picture, with snowpack across the East and West Kootenays measuring higher than this time last year. At many high-elevation stations, snow water equivalent is tracking above to well above normal.

This is a familiar pattern for Fernie, where the alpine snowpack often tells a different story than the valley bottom. What stands out this year is the consistency of the data. The snowpack is not thin, early, or volatile—it is right where long-term averages suggest it should be.

A snowpack at the 30-year average is a positive indicator on several fronts. It supports reliable winter recreation conditions, provides confidence for water supply planning, and establishes a solid base for the months ahead. Just as importantly, it suggests balance: neither deficit nor excess, but a healthy accumulation that aligns with historical norms.

As always, how this snowpack ultimately translates into river flows and forest moisture will depend on future weather patterns. For now, the key takeaway is straightforward. Fernie’s alpine snowpack is healthy, well-established, and tracking exactly where long-term data says it should be.

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