Environment Canada has issued multiple weather warnings for British Columbia, with heavy rain and snowfall expected to make travel hazardous in different regions of the province over the weekend.
The turbulent conditions are also creating significant avalanche risks in northern parts of the province, according to forecasters.
Rainfall warnings are in effect for B.C.’s South Coast, including Howe Sound, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Up to 70 millimetres of rain is expected from Friday evening through Saturday morning, with hazards including pooling water on roads and localized flooding.
“A robust and rain-laden frontal system will slide down the B.C. coast,” Environment Canada said, advising drivers to reduce speeds and prepare for limited visibility.
The forecaster also issued a warning for the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Squamish to Whistler.
Western Vancouver Island, including Tofino and Zeballos, remains under a heavy rainfall warning as well, with total rainfall amount expected to reach 120 millimetres by midnight Friday.
Meanwhile, snowfall warnings are in place for sections of B.C.’s Interior, including along the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass.
According to Environment Canada, higher elevations could see up to 30 centimetres of snow by Saturday morning, while lower areas might receive around 15 centimetres.
The agency cautions that the snow could make travel challenging, with roadways, walkways and parking lots becoming harder to navigate.
Avalanche risks surge across northern B.C.
Rain and fluctuating temperatures are creating significant avalanche risks in northern B.C., Avalanche Canada forecaster Simon Horton said.
“There’s been quite a sequence of active weather patterns, so big snowfall over the weekend and now we’re seeing warm weather with rain and wind,” Horton told CBC News early this week.
“All of this dynamic weather is really stressing the snow packs and so we have dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry right now.”
The latest forecast says there is “considerable” avalanche risk in mountains east of Prince George and on the North Coast, around Kitimat and Prince Rupert.
The danger rating across the Coast Mountains, including the Sea-to-Sky corridor, is currently low, but it is expected to rise to high at higher elevations by Saturday.
The warmer conditions are also proving to be a setback for ski resorts.
The Hart Ski Hill in Prince George, which enjoyed a record-breaking opening weekend after heavy snow in November, has temporarily closed due to the warm, wet weather, said resort general manager Jess Koppe.
“Seasonally, it has definitely warmed up over the years,” she said. “Last year wasn’t the best year for us — we had 67 days open and before that, on average, we were open over 100 days.”
Koppe says she is still hopeful for a record ski season and says she plans to reopen the hill this weekend.
Eric Dumerac of Mountain Skills Academy and Adventure and Monte Johnston of Black Sheep Adventure Sports offer up advice on equipment and training to stay safe in B.C.’s backcountry during the winter season.
In the meantime, Horton is urging backcountry skiers to exercise caution.
“If you’re considering riding in the backcountry, it’s important to have avalanche training so you know the basics of identifying avalanche terrain,” he said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by the province, as forecasts show danger ratings expected to increase in some areas over the weekend.
In a statement Friday, Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene said everyone setting out into the backcountry should share their plan with a friend or family member and check forecasts and guidance from Avalanche Canada beforehand.
Environment Canada says the wet weather will persist until early next week, when a cold front is expected to restore seasonal temperatures.