Musings on the Influence of Geology on Ski Conditions in the Elk Valley, BC
Talk by Neil Watson BASS Talk, December 2021. Graphics by David Hills
Our understanding of the Earth allows geologists to responsibly provide the minerals and energy necessary to drive the global economy. When it is time to take a break from these endeavours, geologists from Calgary frequently head to the Elk Valley of southeastern British
Columbia The area is known for its abundant metallurgical coal deposits but also for its recreational activities including white water kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. But most of all it is known for the terrain and snowfall at Fernie Alpine Resort.
These conditions are due to the interaction of a number of geological and climatic features at variety of scales. The overall moisture levels are driven by the state of the ENSO and winter storms off the west coast. More locally, this moisture is funnelled to the Fernie area along a network of valleys that coincide with the location of the Jet Stream. The morphology of the ski
hill is the final component that leads to the localization of the powder skiers seek.
This talk blends geological research with local knowledge developed over decades spent in the Fernie area and will consist of three sections. The first will outline the geological setting of the Elk Valley with a focus on structural features, lithologies and current topography. The second
will outline the historical snow fall trends, terrain at the resort, avalanche safety and tips as to when to expect the best snow. The final portion will discuss the relationship between the geological features and ski conditions.
