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Chemainus Valley coated with winter white

Steady snow not resulting in significant accumulations, but more on the way could pack a wallop
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It’s all downhill from here for Alex Jensen, 8, as he tests out a perfect sliding device on the hills at the former Chemainus Elementary School site. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The first major snowfall of the season hit the region Sunday night and into early Monday morning, resulting in the cancellation of classes Monday throughout the Cowichan Valley School District.

Kids took full advantage of the snow day to get outside and test out their sleds, toboggans and other devices on hilly areas covered with snow for one of the rare occasions.

Snow continues to fall throughout the day Monday, but accumulations have not been too significant due to the lower temperatures than normal. North Cowichan works crews were staying on top of the situation to keep the major roads clear.

Any decisions on the reopening of schools was being conducted on day-to-day basis. Parents were advised to continually check out the School District 79 website for the latest updates.

With temperatures remaining cool, snow was expected to keep falling periodically during the week up until at least Friday before a change in the forecast to warmer weather and rain.

An even larger snowfall was being predicted for sometime Tuesday night and into Wednesday with significant accumulations.

The 2020 wintery weather is way ahead of schedule from 2019. It wasn’t until February last year that the Chemainus Valley was rocked by major dumps of snow that lasted several days, essentially shutting down the town and making conditions treacherous.

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Brothers Oscar Caskey, 6, front, and Ethan Caskey, 8, behind, of Chemainus have snowballs in hand to exchange with each other on a snow day from school Monday. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Snowy conditions Monday result in the closure of Chemainus Secondary School and all other schools across the Cowichan Valley. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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North Cowichan work crews keep on top of snow removal and clearing. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Opal Hollett, 8, is all smiles as she slides backwards and enjoys a snow day off from school. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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It’s snow fun Monday for Lucas Parker, 5, and sister Emily Parker. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Head-first slide is taken by Alex Jensen, 8, on the hills of the former Chemainus Elementary School site. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Opal Hollett and Emily Parker, both 8, enjoy a snow day from Grade 3 classes at Chemainus Elementary School, sliding down the hill at the old Chemainus Elementary School site - backwards and forwards - it didn’t matter. (Photo by Don Bodger)
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Alex Jensen, 8, is a speed demon in the snow. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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