A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during a historically dangerous time for avalanches in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada reports that the system will bring precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels across much of the province. Meteorologist Brian Proctor explains that this weather pattern will likely result in increased snowfall at higher elevations over the weekend.
The avalanche danger is anticipated to peak on Saturday in certain areas of the South Coast, including the North Shore Mountains, as freezing levels are forecasted to exceed 1,500 to 1,800 meters. The combination of rain falling on existing snow in mountain regions poses an escalated risk of avalanches, according to forecasters. Karina Bakker from Avalanche Canada explains that storms introducing new snow or rain onto existing snow layers can elevate pressure on those layers, increasing the likelihood of collapse or sliding.
The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow lies above weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. Bakker highlights that these deeper weak layers, positioned between 50 to 150 centimeters deep, can lead to slab avalanches when the weaker layer collapses under the weight of the snow above, causing a slide down the slope.
Compared to other types of avalanches, persistent slabs can be harder to predict because the typical warning signs may not be visible due to their depth in the snowpack. Forecasters emphasize the importance of caution, particularly in March, which historically records the highest number of avalanche fatalities in Canada. As the snowpack evolves over the winter, multiple layers can form within it, making March a critical period for avalanche risks due to complex snow layers.
Since December 2025, five individuals have lost their lives in avalanches in British Columbia, underscoring the importance of staying informed about daily avalanche forecasts and choosing safe terrain in the backcountry. Avalanche Canada advises individuals to exercise patience, opt for slopes under 30 degrees during considerable avalanche danger, and completely avoid avalanche-prone areas when the danger rating is high.
