Avalanche hazard ‘high’ in North Shore mountains

Editor’s note: a previous version of this story said that a special public avalanche warning was issued for the North Shore mountains. The hazard sits at “high” but a public warning was not issued for the area. We apologize for any confusion.

The avalanche hazard for mountains around Metro Vancouver now sits as “high,” as a pacific storm brings wet weather and warm temperatures, according to Avalanche Canada.

“Ongoing stormy weather will continue to deliver heavy snow, strong winds, and warming temperatures,” the service said. “Plan to seek non-avalanche terrain, free from overhead hazard.”

André-Jean ‘AJ’ Maheu, avalanche safety officer for North Shore Rescue, says it’s not a good idea to explore the mountains right now, because the snowpacks could be under a lot of stress

“It’s going to be a dynamic weekend…you want to be mindful of the fact that we got like two metres of snow in two weeks,” Maheu said. “There’s lots of uncertainties, lots of questions, and you don’t want to be in the wrong place to figure out the answer to those questions.”

Maheu says his biggest concern is the weakening of the snowpack, with the rain and the warming combining to add additional load to the snow.

Avalanche Canada says southwest winds will strip snow from ridge lines and exposed features.

Up to 100 centimetres of snow is forecast to fall in the mountains.

With files from David Nadalini.