A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during a period known for deadly avalanches in Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts the system will bring precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels across much of the province. Meteorologist Brian Proctor emphasized the potential for increased snowfall at higher elevations as the weekend progresses.
Avalanche danger is expected to peak on Saturday in parts of the South Coast, including the North Shore Mountains, with freezing levels projected 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 forecasters. Karina Bakker from Avalanche Canada warned that storms adding new snow or rain on top of existing snow layers can increase pressure on those layers, making them more prone to collapse or sliding.
The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow overlays weaker snow buried deeper in the snowpack. This setup can trigger slab avalanches when the weaker layer collapses under the weight of the snow above it, causing a slide down the slope. Forecasters highlighted the challenges of predicting avalanches caused by deeper weak layers, as warning signs may not be as visible compared to other types of avalanches.
March historically records the highest number of avalanche fatalities in Canada, with 69 deaths occurring over the past 20 years during this month. Bakker explained that March poses increased risks due to the evolving snowpack complexity resulting from winter weather patterns. The accumulation of multiple layers within the snowpack during the winter months can lead to hazardous conditions, making it a critical time for avalanche safety precautions.
A total of five avalanche-related deaths have been reported in B.C. since December 2025, including incidents involving a 23-year-old snowmobiler and a professional snowboarder. Avalanche Canada advises backcountry travelers to stay updated on daily forecasts and choose conservative terrain options. Bakker emphasized the importance of patience and suggested avoiding slopes exceeding 30 degrees in considerable avalanche danger ratings and steering clear of avalanche-prone areas when the danger rating is high.