A file image of a B.C. mountain highway during a high-risk avalanche period. (Image Credit: Pattison Media)

By Elora McCormack, CFJC Today

Avalanche risk high

Snowfall leading to increased avalanche risk throughout B.C. Interior

Mar 17, 2026 | 7:36 AM

KAMLOOPS — Going into the back country could come with some more risk this week as forecasters predict worsening avalanche conditions over the coming days.

Avalanche Canada forecaster Tyson Rettie said this week’s snowfall has brought heightened avalanche risk to mountain ranges, particularly around the Revelstoke area.

“We have a couple of deeply buried weak layers from January and February, and we’re expecting this intense weather will result in avalanches failing on those levels,” said Rettie. “Avalanches that fail on those deeply buried weak layers will likely be quite large, destructive and likely run to valley bottoms.”

Rettie said avalanche conditions can be dynamic and change quickly, especially when snowfall builds on multiple weak layers.

“The weather we are seeing currently in the Interior is causing a rapid change. We’re seeing avalanche danger spike to high,” said Rettie. “Parts of the Interior will continue to see high avalanche danger until Wednesday as a result of that weather.”

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Avalanche Canada urges backcountry users to be cautious with their terrain choices and be aware of the current and forecasted conditions.

“You need to have a keen eye for what is and isn’t avalanche terrain, and right now choose the non-avalanche terrain,” said Rettie. “Make sure you’re getting the forecast before you’re heading into the mountains so you know what you’re getting into. Make sure you have all of the essential companion rescue equipment and take a course so you know how read the forecast and use that equipment if you have to.”

Highway 1 between Revelstoke and Golden was closed Monday night to conduct avalanche control work.