The more active mode will return to the South Coast region of British Columbia, with an atmospheric river event this weekend.
March 2025 Outlook: Canada sees March madness as winter transitions to spring
Heavy rain and alpine snow are predicted – all the beneficial moisture in the province. Most people in British Columbia have so far lost less than 60% of normal precipitation.
Baron-BC precipitation abnormality-MAR6
The wetter than normal is also expected to last until the second half of March, with temperatures going to be cold enough to bring some very impressive snowfall to the alpine areas. This means a lot of snowfall in the ski area, as we are closer to spring.
Saturday to Sunday: Atmospheric river pours heavy rain on the south coast
The low-pressure system hitting the North Coast would drag the cold front on the coast, stalling on Vancouver Island and part of the sea-to-sky corridor and providing roads for the Atmospheric River this weekend.
Baron – British Columbia High-Level Mode – MAR6
The freezing level will rise above 1500 m to start the weekend.
Heavy rains will continue on Saturday and Sunday, with heavy rainfall replacing the recent massive amount of sunshine.
Rainfall in BC to Saturday, March 8, 2025
The expected rainfall in the Lower Land Plains is 40-50 mm, and the possibility of the Vancouver Metropolis is as high as 75 mm. Victoria will see a drop close to 10-20mm. Those in Squamish can see up to 75-100 mm of rain.
As the atmospheric river slides southward, the freezing point level will fall to Sunday. As the river pushes eastward, unarranged conditions will linger in the Fraser Valley.
Related: Atmospheric River: Experts explain the good and bad of these extreme storms
Meanwhile, the total number of alpine snow in coastal mountains may reach 100 cm, while the Rocky Mountains is forecast to be 30-50 cm.
BC Alpine Snow Outlood the Auntay
Beware: Increase the risk of avalanche this weekend
Avalanche threatened throughout the weekend. High avalanche hazard ratings have been issued Saturday in Vancouver Island’s mountain range and sea to sky areas. On Sunday inland on the South Coast, Colombia and the Rocky Mountains pose the greatest risk of avalanche.
BC avalanche risk Sunday
In addition to rainy days, gusts of 40-60 km/h will also sweep the Georgia Strait on Saturday. Although wind intensity won’t be impressive, durability can lead to higher-than-expected waves.
Don’t miss: Why the risk of avalanche intensifies in March
Forecasters are also paying attention to a rather strong storm that could bring strong winds in mid-to-week.
Be sure to check out all weather updates for British Columbia.
Watch: Avalanche Danger as Spring approaches
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