A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during a historically dangerous period in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts the system will bring precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels across much of the province. Meteorologist Brian Proctor highlights the potential for increased snowfall at higher elevations as the weekend progresses.
The avalanche threat is anticipated to peak on Saturday in areas of the South Coast, such as the North Shore Mountains, with freezing levels projected to rise above 1,500 to 1,800 meters. The combination of rain falling on existing snow in mountainous regions can escalate avalanche dangers, according to forecasters.
Karina Bakker from Avalanche Canada explains that new snow can bond together, creating a cohesive mass that poses a risk for dangerous avalanches. The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow rests on weaker snow buried deeper within the snowpack.
These buried weak layers, located between 50 to 150 centimeters deep, can trigger slab avalanches when they collapse under the weight of the snow above. Unlike other types of avalanches, persistent slabs are harder to predict as warning signs may not be visible due to their deep placement within the snowpack.
March is historically a perilous month for avalanches in Canada, with the highest number of avalanche fatalities occurring during this time. The evolving snowpack complexity throughout the winter months, with layers accumulating from cold spells, storms, and warm periods, contributes to heightened risks in March.
Since December 2025, five avalanche-related deaths have occurred in British Columbia, emphasizing the importance of caution in backcountry activities. Avalanche Canada advises checking daily forecasts and selecting conservative terrain, recommending a cautious approach to mitigate risks during the current avalanche season.
