Heightened avalanche danger as atmospheric river soaks B.C.
Warmer temperatures and renewed precipitation will raise the risk for avalanches across B.C.’s South Coast in the days ahead
A return to more seasonal conditions across British Columbia also brings rain to lower elevations, snow to higher elevations, and a ‘high’ avalanche risk for portions of the South Coast.
An atmospheric river -albeit a weak one - will direct heavy moisture with rounds of heavy rain and snow continuing through Sunday.
This pattern change is a sharp reversal from the weeks of below-seasonal temperatures we’ve experienced across the region.
So far this year, B.C. has been in a rain deficit, with January only receiving 33 per cent of its average monthly rainfall. To date, February has only seen 14 per cent, as well.
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Moisture arrives with low-elevation rain, mountain snows
Plumes of atmospheric moisture washing over the West Coast will bring rounds of precipitation to southern B.C. over the next couple of days.
Expect a round of low-elevation rain and mountain snows to move across the region into the day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the heaviest precipitation expected with the system arriving on Saturday. This heavy precipitation brings the potential for localized flooding, pooling and ponding on the roads.
This heavy moisture will also account for a dumping of snow along coastal mountains, with residual moisture feeding into the Interior.
Metro Vancouver and much of the Lower Mainland can expect anywhere from 40-75+ mm through Sunday. Some surrounding areas could see up to 100 mm of precipitation. West Vancouver Island, particularly around Tofino will receive up to 130 mm. Victoria will see 15-25 mm of precipitation.
Daytime highs in Vancouver will return to our seasonal value of about 10°C this weekend, making for the city’s first double-digit high since Dec. 28, 2024.
Avalanche risk rises with warm air, moisture
Freezing levels will rise to around 2000 m through the weekend. The combination of warmer temperatures and fresh precipitation will destabilize the snowpack and raise the risk for avalanches across B.C.’s South Coast into the weekend.
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"As precipitation piles up, danger increases with it," warns Avalanche Canada. "With storms this dramatic, it is a great time to avoid avalanche terrain until things calm down."
According to Avalanche Canada, a high danger rating means that conditions are very dangerous, and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest updates on conditions across B.C.