B.C: Snow lingers into weekend, avalanche risks rise
Snowfall warnings span B.C.'s South Coast once again with another wintry mix that will be followed with sunshine for many.
B.C.'s South Coast can't seem to break out of the snowy pattern that's settled into the region over the last couple of weeks and we can't promise this will be the last of it either. As another system works its way down the coast, a wintry mix may tangle with your weekend travel plans across the province. More on this next round of snow and who could see traffic trouble, below.
WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Weak low pressure system moves in Saturday, to bring light rain and mixing for coastal areas around Vancouver Island and the Mainland
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SNOWFALL LINGERS INTO THE WEEKEND
The last flakes to fall in B.C. earlier this week had trouble sticking around, due to warmer (though still below seasonal) temperatures. Now, as yet another system slides down the coast, the Lower Mainland is once again in the cross hairs for a wet snowfall.
Environment Canada issued snowfall warnings for Fraser Valley as the front will bring 5 to 10 cm of snow in the eastern regions. The rapidly accumulating snow could cause sudden changes in visibility and make travel difficult in some locations.
East of Abbotsford and along Highway 1, snowfall totals could reach 5-10 cm as well. Much heavier snowfall amounts of 20-30 cm are expected for the North Shore mountains through Saturday.
WATCH BELOW: HOW VANCOUVERITES FEEL ABOUT THE SNOW
The South Coast and parts of Vancouver Island, however could hold onto some lingering mixing, wet snow or rain showers through Saturday.
AVALANCHE WARNING THROUGH SUNDAY
In addition to the snow warnings, Avalanche Canada also issued a special public avalanche warning for the backcountry on the South Coast and Vancouver Island on Thursday. That warning will remain in effect until Sunday with the threat for "deadly" avalanches due to layers of weak snowpack.
"Human-triggered avalanches will be likely over the weekend, especially on steeper terrain," said James Floyer with Avalanche Canada. "The clearing skies and fresh snow will be very inviting, but we are urging backcountry users to be extra cautious during this period."
The region can expect a couple of days of fair weather by early next week before the next system threatens more snow for the South Coast, including Vancouver and Victoria on Tuesday night.
"Colder than normal temperatures are also expected for the remainder of February," adds Dr. Doug Gillham, another meteorologist at The Weather Network.
WATCH BELOW: THE NEXT CHANCE OF SNOW
Eyes are on the next system that could bring more snow to the South Coast at the start of next week. Most of the precipitation will track south of B.C., but southern regions of Vancouver Island could see some slight accumulations of snow.
