Avalanche Canada says risk has lessened somewhat since fresh snow began falling across B.C.’s south coast over the weekend, but many areas are still ranked three out of a possible five for danger.
The forecaster says the danger is still “considerable” in mountains on Vancouver Island and in the Sea to Sky, Sunshine Coast and Fraser Valley regions.
It says storm slabs are sitting on top of a weak layer that are easily triggered by people heading out into avalanche terrain in the backcountry.
“Over the weekend, numerous storm slab avalanches were reported size 1-2 on all aspects and elevations. They were triggered naturally, by skiers, vehicles and explosives. Some were triggered remotely or sympathetically. Slabs were up to 60 cm deep and ran on a crust or facet layer beneath the storm snow,” said Avalanche Canada.
The danger is also ranked as “considerable” across much of eastern B.C., along the boundary with Alberta, but the avalanche risk is higher in mountains east of Prince George and in the far northwest corner of the province.
The “considerable” rating is expected to continue in most at-risk regions near the coast through Thursday.