Why do the Cape Breton Highlands have different snowfall patterns? What makes us so special?

Fred Belcher, EXP | Senior Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist, explains:

 MODIS imagery from NASA’s Aqua satellite

“Interesting shot this afternoon of the Maritimes from NASA’s Aqua satellite.  It nicely shows the cloud streets picking up moisture across the longest reach of the Gulf, due to the absence of ice, and then building up the snowbelt over the Cape Breton Highlands.  Certainly that unique set of events doesn’t occur on mainland NS, PEI, or New Brunswick – just Cape Breton.  Certainly makes for great snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the Highlands!”

Well said Mr. Belcher! Thank you – NHN