A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during a time of year historically known for deadly avalanches in Canada. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the system will bring precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels across much of the province. Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with the weather agency, mentioned that the setup could lead to 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 projected to rise above 1,500 to 1,800 meters. With rain expected to fall on existing snow in various mountain regions, forecasters warn that this combination can elevate avalanche risks. Karina Bakker, a forecaster with Avalanche Canada, explained that storms depositing new snow or rain on existing snow layers can escalate pressure, making collapses or slides more probable.
The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow rests above weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. Forecasters caution that these deeper weak layers can make avalanches harder to predict, as typical warning signs may not be evident. Avalanche Canada reports that historically, March witnesses the highest number of avalanche fatalities, with complex snowpack layers developing over the winter months.
Five avalanche-related fatalities have occurred in British Columbia since December 2025, including a 23-year-old snowmobiler near Kootenay Pass and a professional snowboarder near Joffre Lakes Park. Avalanche Canada advises backcountry travelers to monitor daily forecasts, opt for conservative terrain choices, and exercise patience. They recommend avoiding slopes exceeding 30 degrees when avalanche danger is considerable and steering clear of avalanche terrain entirely when the rating is high.