Major Storm Cycle Arrives

Complex Snowpack Persists Across B.C

March is historically the most dangerous month for avalanches in British Columbia — and this year the snowpack is already showing the kind of complexity that can make late winter particularly unpredictable.

Across much of the province, recent storm and wind slabs are sitting on top of deeper, persistent weak layers. That structure can allow avalanches to propagate wider and run farther than many backcountry riders expect, even around treeline and in areas that appear relatively sheltered.

Avalanche Canada continues to emphasize that terrain management is often the most reliable way to reduce risk. Slopes in treed or gladed terrain can still produce avalanches, particularly where steep openings exist. Anyone heading into the mountains should be prepared with the proper safety gear — a transceiver, shovel, and probe — and stay aware that conditions can vary dramatically across short distances.

While the snowpack remains complicated, a strong storm cycle is about to deliver a fresh round of winter to many B.C. mountains.

A cold system arriving midweek is expected to bring widespread snowfall, with the heaviest accumulation from Wednesday into Thursday night. Interior mountain regions could see 20 to 75 cm of new snow through Saturday, depending on location.

Some of the largest totals are expected near Fernie, Revelstoke, Rogers Pass, and Whitewater, while resorts such as Kicking Horse, Big White, Silver Star, Apex, Panorama, Kimberley, and Sun Peaks are also forecast to receive a healthy refresh from this storm cycle.

Strong alpine winds may redistribute snow and build fresh slabs in exposed terrain, potentially increasing avalanche concerns as new snow accumulates.

For skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers, the result could mean excellent riding conditions across many Interior resorts — but also rapidly changing mountain hazards.

And the active weather pattern may not end there, with forecasters already watching a potential atmospheric river next week that could push snow levels sharply higher.

Here’s what the incoming storm could mean for B.C.’s snowpack and where the deepest snow is expected.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

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Be sure to check out our latest podcast, featuring Jan Neuspiel — longtime mountain guide, former owner of Island Alpine Guides on Vancouver Island, and the newly minted Program Coordinator for the Mountain Professional Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

Jan’s career spans decades in the mountains, from trekking and mountaineering in Nepal to heli-ski operations in the Indian Himalaya, leadership roles with Bella Coola Helisports, and co-founding the Vancouver Island Avalanche Centre Society. He’s also a peer responder with the Mountain Professional CISM Team and a recognized leader in mountain safety, with awards from both HeliCat Canada and the ACMG.

His personal adventures include a ski-mountaineering circumnavigation of Denali, a solo ascent of Pumori, and traverses of the Wrangell–St. Elias Range, and a single-day ascent of Mount Asgard.

If you crave adventure, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now!

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Our members operate in many First Nation’s traditional and unceded territories, including the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, Syilx and Stoney Nakoda Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in these territories and recognize that these are special places.