A warm storm moving through British Columbia this weekend is heightening avalanche risks during what is typically the most dangerous time of year for avalanches in Canada, according to meteorologists. Environment and Climate Change Canada states that the system will result in precipitation, strong winds, and rising freezing levels throughout much of the province. Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with the weather agency, explains that this weather pattern will likely lead to increased snowfall at higher elevations over the weekend.
Avalanche danger is forecasted 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. The combination of rain falling on existing snow in mountainous regions can amplify the risk of avalanches, as per forecasters. Karina Bakker, a forecaster with Avalanche Canada, highlights that storms adding new snow or rain on top of existing snow layers can elevate pressure on those layers, making them more susceptible to collapse or sliding.
The current risk is attributed to “persistent slab” conditions, where a layer of snow sits atop weaker snow buried deeper within the snowpack. According to Bakker, these weak layers, located between 50 centimeters and 150 centimeters deep, can trigger slab avalanches when the underlying weaker layer gives way under the weight of the snow above, causing the entire slab to slide downhill. Bakker emphasizes that these deeper weak layers make avalanches harder to predict as the typical warning signs may not be evident.
March is historically a perilous month for avalanches, with the highest number of avalanche fatalities recorded in Canada during this period over the past two decades. Bakker explains that the evolving snowpack complexity over the winter, with multiple layers forming due to varying weather conditions, contributes to the heightened risk in March. Since December 2025, five avalanche-related deaths have occurred in British Columbia, including incidents near Kootenay Pass and Joffre Lakes Park.
Avalanche Canada advises individuals venturing into the backcountry to stay informed with daily forecasts and opt for conservative terrain choices. Bakker stresses the importance of patience, recommending slopes under 30 degrees when avalanche danger is considerable and avoiding avalanche-prone areas entirely when the danger rating is high.