A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during a period known for being the most dangerous for avalanches in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels across much of the province. Meteorologist Brian Proctor explains that the system will likely lead to increased snowfall at higher elevations as the weekend progresses.
The avalanche threat is expected to peak on Saturday in parts of the South Coast, particularly in the North Shore Mountains, where freezing levels are predicted to rise above 1,500 to 1,800 meters. The combination of rain falling on existing snow in mountainous areas can elevate the risk of avalanches. According to Karina Bakker from Avalanche Canada, storms introducing new snow or rain on top of existing snow layers can escalate pressure on those layers, making them more prone to collapse or sliding.
The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions characterized by a layer of snow sitting above weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. These deeper weak layers, typically located between 50 to 150 centimeters below the surface, can cause slab avalanches when the weaker layer collapses under the weight of the snow above, triggering a slide down the slope. Bakker emphasizes that these deep-seated weak layers can make avalanches harder to predict as the usual warning signs may not manifest.
March is historically a perilous month for avalanches in Canada, with the highest number of avalanche fatalities occurring during this time. The evolution of the snowpack over winter, with multiple layers building up due to varying weather conditions, increases the risk. Bakker notes that March tends to have more complex snow layers, heightening the danger of avalanches.
Since December 2025, five avalanche-related deaths have been recorded in British Columbia. Avalanche Canada advises individuals venturing into the backcountry to stay updated on daily forecasts and opt for less risky terrain. They recommend exercising patience, especially when the avalanche danger is considerable, by sticking to slopes under 30 degrees and avoiding avalanche-prone areas entirely when the risk rating is high.
