Listen Live

Avalanche risk considerable across Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast

Avalanche Canada is warning of considerable avalanche risk as warmer temperatures and heavy rain wash over the west coast.

Across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, warmer temperatures combined with rain are making backcountry snow conditions more dangerous, according to Avalance Canada.

They say as the snow becomes more of a “slushy” consistency, it has a higher risk of becoming an avalanche.

While the risk is moderate in the Alpine on the Island, the Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky areas are moderate risks from the alpine through to below the treeline.

According to the avalanche forecast, the heavier amounts of rain expected on the coast are “likely to produce large and destructive natural avalanches.”

“Storm slabs will build at higher elevations, while rain and warm temperatures saturate the snowpack at lower elevations,” said the report.

A total of 35 to 75 mm of rain has already fallen in the area, according to Environment Canada. They say another 20 to 40 mm can be expected Wednesday evening.

Avalanche Canada is asking people to minimize their exposure to avalanche terrain or avoid it altogether during periods of heavy rain.

Continue Reading

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Premier David Eby defends speechwriting contract with comedian

Premier David Eby is facing criticism from the Opposition Conservatives over a speech-writing contract with a comedian.

Every Child Matters March in Port Hardy September 30

Vancouver Island communities are starting to announce their plans to recognize the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Campfire bans to be lifted in several Coastal Fire Centre communities September 17

Restrictions on Category 1 fires, any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, for the Campbell River, North Island Central Coast and the Sunshine Coast Resource Districts as of noon on Wednesday, September 17.

Public sector workers escalate job action as strike enters third week

The B.C. General Employees Union and the Professional Employees Association are escalating job action as their members enter a third week of strikes. 

B.C. approves environmental certificate for massive LNG project on northern coast

British Columbia has given the green light to a floating liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility on B.C.’s northern coast. 
- Advertisement -