Heavy snow, rain, and wind have hit the southern coastal regions of British Columbia, triggering severe avalanche conditions and power outages as the area braces for dangerous weather over the holiday season. Avalanche Canada has warned of extreme avalanche risks, especially on Christmas Day and heading through Boxing Day, due to the substantial snowfall and dangerous winds.
According to their Thursday post on X (formerly Twitter), Avalanche Canada noted, "A stormy Christmas Day means dangerous avalanche conditions will continue." They advised readers to avoid avalanche terrain during Boxing Day, favoring safer areas instead. The North Shore's new snowfall has elevated the avalanche risk to extreme at alpine levels, impacting popular ski hills such as Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress mountains. The treeline remains at high danger levels, indicating continuing risk for winter enthusiasts.
Emily Jones, an avalanche forecaster for Avalanche Canada, explained the perilous conditions, stating, "Rapid loading" from heavy snowfall and tempestuous winds over the past 24 hours has heightened dangers. She indicated, "We expect widespread, large, natural, and human-triggered avalanches will be very likely throughout the storm." While Jones anticipates some stabilization of conditions by Friday, she emphasized to backcountry adventurers, "Risk awareness must remain heightened as they traverse these regions."
Other adverse effects of the winter storm include disrupted transportation services as BC Ferries canceled several sailings on Thursday morning due to severe weather. The routes affected include Tsawwassen-Duke Point and Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay. Thankfully, afternoon sailings resumed once winds began to die down.
On the power front, thousands faced outages driven by the high winds. By Thursday morning, nearly 1,700 customers across the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast reported power loss, alongside around 300 additional customers on Vancouver Island. The harsh weather has triggered snowfall warnings for various highways, including the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 3, where forecasters expect significant accumulations of snow.
Environment Canada issued multiple wind warnings throughout the South Coast regions, especially targeting the Sunshine Coast from Gibsons to Earls Cove on December 25. This strong wind event may continue through Boxing Day, impacting several areas including sections of Metro Vancouver and the Southern Gulf Islands. Forecasters predict southeast winds reaching up to 90 km/h, with gusts possibly exceeding 100 km/h near Greater Victoria, Campbell River, and the Southern Gulf Islands.
These intense winds can pose various risks, from toppling unsecured items and holiday decorations to causing tree branches to snap and leading to potential power outages. Travel disruptions are also forecasted, prompting advisories for those planning to take the ferry or travel through affected regions. Residents are urged to check with BC Ferries for updates and to heed weather alerts provided by Environment Canada.
With the holiday season upon us, vigilance is key, especially as families venture out to enjoy mountain activities or holiday celebrations. For the latest storm forecasts and warnings, individuals can report severe weather through email or utilize social media hashtags dedicated for the BC storm updates. According to Environment Canada, it is important to stay informed of changing conditions, and safety is the highest priority during this extreme weather event.
With conditions expected to change as the winter season progresses, outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike should remain alert and prepared. This coastal storm, marked by its harsh snowfall and high winds, serves as a reminder of winter’s unpredictable nature and the importance of safety precautions.
