During BC’s February Warm-Up
It’s early February, and a significant shift in weather and avalanche conditions is underway across British Columbia. A strong warming trend is developing as an atmospheric river transports mild air into the province this week. Adding to the concern is a widespread layer of large surface hoar resting on a crust that has recently been buried across most forecast regions—an especially worrisome setup as temperatures rise, particularly for snowpacks in the BC Interior.
Recent avalanche activity demonstrates how reactive this layer is, highlighting the ongoing significant shift in weather and avalanche conditions this season. Both natural and rider-triggered avalanches have been reported, with several catching backcountry users off guard. Remote triggering has also been observed, indicating continued instability in the snowpack. Freezing levels climbed to around 2000m today in many areas and are expected to rise above 3000m tomorrow in the south. With periods of sunshine mixed in, conditions are likely to shift quickly toward a spring-like feel. As a result, understanding snowpacks in the BC Interior becomes even more important for safety.
While some details remain uncertain, the overall trend is evident: avalanche danger is increasing, and widespread natural avalanches are possible. Along the coast, more rain will fall on an already saturated snowpack. The main concern remains in the Interior, where warm temperatures have not yet tested this weak layer. With mild conditions expected to continue into the weekend, dangerous avalanche conditions are likely to persist across many areas, so monitoring snowpacks in the BC Interior is crucial during this period as we face a significant shift in weather and avalanche conditions.
Looking ahead, a strengthening ridge of high pressure will keep conditions mostly dry while maintaining well-above-average temperatures across much of BC. This pattern is expected to persist in the short term, representing a sharp departure from the colder conditions observed recently. For many areas, it will feel more like early spring than mid-winter. Confidence is growing that this ridge will start to break down next week, allowing a return to a more typical weather pattern. Moreover, a significant shift in weather and avalanche conditions will likely follow this change.
Interior BC Weather and Snow
Before the ridge fully settles in, the Interior will see a couple of weak systems moving through. A cold front is forecast to pass during the week, bringing a quick burst of snowfall ranging from 1 to 10cm. Snow levels should start near 1500m before dropping to around 1200m as the precipitation eases. Winds will be moderate from the southwest to west-southwest and should stay below impactful levels. Therefore, monitoring snowpack in the BC Interior is recommended as weather events unfold.
Another system arrives later in the week as a warm front moves through. Snow will begin late morning in the Okanagan and early afternoon along the Powder Highway, tapering off later in the day. This appears to be another short-lived, light event, with totals generally between 1 and 8cm. Snow levels will start near 1050m before rising towards 1200m, making the warm-up more gradual than along the coast. A significant overnight warm-up on Monday night is unlikely in the Interior.
Further inland, spillover into the Selkirks and Purcells seems limited, with only brief bursts of moisture and relatively mild winds. Over the next two days, snowfall is forecasted to be lighter, with about 5–10cm for Revelstoke and Silver Star, 3–8cm for Sun Peaks, and closer to 1–5cm for Kicking Horse.
For skiing, you’ll want to stay higher in the mountains. Terrain above about 1500m will have the best snow, while lower elevations tend to be wetter or more variable as temperatures rise.
Skiing is best at higher elevations. Above roughly 1500m, snow quality significantly improves, while at lower altitudes it tends to feel wet, heavy, or patchy as temperatures increase. Upper-elevation terrain should retain softer snow through Sunday and Monday, and likely into Tuesday, with a few light refreshes from these weaker systems.
With so much change happening, relying on the information available to us is more important than ever. One of the advantages of recreating in BC is the variety of forecasting and observation tools at our disposal. Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Weather Forecast, Windy, and YR.no are all reliable sources, and DriveBC highway forecasts can provide valuable insights into temperature trends and upcoming weather. If it’s been a while since your last avalanche course, a refresher with a local provider is always a good idea—especially during seasons marked by persistent weak layers. Consequently, staying up to date on significant shifts in weather and avalanche conditions is vital to planning outdoor adventures this month.
If you’re heading into the backcountry, preparation is key. Understand what the avalanche ratings are by visiting Avalanche Canada. High means natural avalanches are likely, and people are very likely to trigger slides. Considerable means natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered slides are likely—conditions where small decisions can have big consequences. Moderate means that natural avalanches are less likely, but human-triggered avalanches remain a possibility, especially where weak layers are known. These ratings should directly influence your terrain choices and travel plans.
Staying safe begins with being well-informed and communicating clearly with your group. Be willing to adjust objectives as conditions evolve and let observations—rather than rigid plans—guide your decisions. Travelling in the winter mountains can involve risk, but slowing down and making cautious choices can significantly reduce it. Respect the terrain, keep an eye on each other, and be prepared to idle back when necessary. Not hiring a guide? Check out the BLBCA Self-Guided Recommendations or Avalanche Canada’s Trip Planner.
Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association
