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 higher freezing levels across much of the province. Meteorologist Brian Proctor emphasizes the potential for increased snowfall at higher elevations as the weekend progresses.
Avalanche risks are expected to peak on Saturday in parts of the South Coast, particularly in the North Shore Mountains, as freezing levels are projected to rise above 1,500 to 1,800 meters. The combination of rain falling on existing snow in mountainous regions can elevate the danger of avalanches due to added pressure on snow layers, according to forecasters.
The current threat is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow rests on weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. This setup can lead to slab avalanches when the weaker layer collapses under the weight of the snow above, triggering a slide down the slope.
The deeper weak layers present challenges in predicting avalanches, as warning signs typical of other avalanche types may not manifest. March is historically a risky month for avalanches in Canada, with a high number of avalanche fatalities recorded during this period due to the evolving snowpack complexity resulting from winter weather patterns.
Avalanche Canada advises backcountry enthusiasts to stay informed with daily forecasts and opt for conservative terrain choices. When avalanche danger is considerable, it is recommended to stick to slopes under 30 degrees, and in high-risk conditions, avoiding avalanche-prone areas entirely is crucial.