A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during what is historically the deadliest period for avalanches in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts the system will bring precipitation, strong winds, and higher freezing levels across most of the province. Brian Proctor, a meteorologist at the weather agency, anticipates increased snowfall at higher elevations over the weekend.
Avalanche danger is set to peak on Saturday in parts of the South Coast, including the North Shore Mountains, as freezing levels are projected to rise above 1,500 to 1,800 meters. The expected precipitation could result in rain falling on existing snow in mountain regions, a combination that experts warn can elevate avalanche risk. Karina Bakker, a forecaster at Avalanche Canada, explains that new snow can consolidate with existing snow, creating a cohesive mass that can trigger dangerous avalanches.
The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow sits atop weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. These deeper weak layers, typically between 50 to 150 centimeters deep, can lead to slab avalanches when the lower layer collapses under the weight of the snow above it, causing an avalanche to slide down the slope. Unlike other types of avalanches, persistent slabs are harder to predict as warning signs may not be evident due to their depth in the snowpack.
March is historically a perilous month for avalanches, with the highest number of avalanche fatalities occurring during this period. The evolution of the snowpack over the winter months, with multiple layers building up due to varying weather conditions, increases the complexity and risk of avalanches. Since December 2025, five individuals have lost their lives in avalanches in British Columbia, underscoring the current heightened risk level.
Avalanche Canada advises individuals venturing into the backcountry to stay updated on daily forecasts and choose conservative terrain. It is recommended to exercise patience, stick to slopes under 30 degrees during considerable avalanche danger, and avoid avalanche-prone areas entirely when the danger rating is high.