As Nelson’s winter drags on into mid-March, two experts will share insights into the changing face of the season.
University of Calgary researcher Jocelyn Hirose will explain what she’s learned from monitoring a glacier in Glacier National Park, and discuss what we still need to learn about climate, snowpack, and streamflow. Mel Reasoner, who has worked with the atmospheric conditions, mountain systems chapter of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and Columbia Basin Trust, will share the latest knowledge about effects of climate change on local weather patterns and what we can expect in the future.
“I believe it is imperative to share my knowledge of glaciers with basin residents,” said Hirose, who is hoping to monitor Kokanee Glacier, among others.
The two experts will give presentations, take questions, and have a discussion about climate change, glaciers, and snowpack.
The event will wrap up with a screening of the Teton Gravity Research film Generations. Presented by The North Face in partnership with the non-profit group Protect Our Winters, Generations discusses climate change through the perspectives of those for whom snowy winters have a deeper personal significance. Generations humanizes the debate on climate change by exploring the delicateness of winter and the intrinsic value of snow to people across generations and cultures.
The event is being hosted by West Kootenay EcoSociety, and the tour is organized by Wildsight as a part of Canada Water Week.
The Save Our Snowpack event runs this Sunday at 7 p.m. in the TNT Playhouse. Admission is by donation.