B.C.: 'High' avalanche risk as heavy snow, rain continue into weekend
Heavy downpours at the coast, heavy snow at the peaks, and strong winds will continue into the weekend.
Moisture that is flowing in from the Pacific will keep much of British Columbia both snowy and rainy this weekend. The active weather cycle is contributing to the high avalanche risk across the province and the likelihood that the snowpack will rapidly lose strength. Details and timing, below.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS
Avalanche risk "high" across the entire province
Heavy downpours continue for the coasts into the weekend
Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area
WEEKEND: EXTREME SNOW AND RAIN CONTINUES
Wave after wave of moisture has pummeled B.C. in recent days and there simply is very little letup this weekend. Heavy snow at the alpine level is expected to continue -- such that more than 100 cm is possible for parts of the coastal mountains.
The unsettled weather will contribute to the "high" risk of avalanches this weekend due to strong winds and additional snow on Saturday as the freezing level drops to 700 metres.
The dropping freezing levels will allow for high elevation snow to impact the mountain passes through Saturday and could make road conditions hazardous at times.
Heavy rainfall will continue through Saturday and the central mainland coast and western Vancouver Island will experience the heaviest rainfall totals, where as much as 150 mm is possible.
Metro Vancouver has another 20-50 mm in store, rising up to 75 mm through the Fraser Valley.
The strong winds that knocked down trees and caused power outages on Friday will weaken throughout Saturday morning, but could still toss loose objects or cause tree branches to snap.
Sunday night will feature a brief break before the next round beckons for the next week.
NEXT WEEK: MORE ROUNDS OF MOISTURE
The very active pattern continues to next week, with the parade of systems again bringing heavy rain to coastal areas and heavy snow for the Alpine regions.
Weather Network meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham says snow levels will vary next week, though will be low enough most of the time so north shore ski areas should get their share.
"We will keep a close eye on whether snow levels get low enough to bring snow to higher elevations of the lower mainland later next week," Gillham says.
