It may be spring in Deep Cove, but looks can be deceiving from down here.
Fifteen minutes up the road there is still winter weather on Mount Seymour, some stellar spring skiing, in fact.
We use the word spring loosely.
As of the time of writing, 51 centimetres of fresh snow had fallen over a 24-hour period on Seymour for a total base of 514 cm at the summit, 1,323 cm overall so far this season. A banner year for our local ski hill, no doubt.
So don’t be fooled in April. Before you head out to hike Dog Mountain with the family during the Easter weekend, check the conditions and always pack the Ten Essentials that North Shore Rescue recommends, to help keep you safe in the alpine.
Leave light jackets and shorts at sea level and wear warmer gear up top, for the time being.
Spring is historically a busy time for North Shore Rescue and when they respond to many calls from hikers who are either caught off guard by the wintery conditions or underestimate how much daylight is left.
Don’t be a statistic or the subject of a news story, be smart this “spring” season and always in the alpine.
