Avalanche Danger Spikes in BC Interior

Rapid Weather Changes Spark Heightened Avalanche Risks Near and East of Vernon, BC

March 18, 2026 - Recent storms, heavy new snow (15–45 cm+), strong winds, and warming from an atmospheric river have caused a rapid, dramatic rise in avalanche risk across British Columbia’s Interior.

Green = Low 1, Yellow = Medium 2, Orange = Considerable 3, Red = High 4, Black = Extreme 5

Avalanche Canada warns backcountry users, especially snowmobilers and skiers near Vernon and east, that danger has jumped sharply in just days.

Current conditions (as of March 17 bulletins, valid into March 18):

• Near Vernon, Kamloops, Kelowna, southern valleys: Mostly Considerable (3) to Moderate (2). Manageable but watch for wind slabs or wet-loose slides if snow gets slushy.

• Farther east (Nakusp, Monashee, Selkirks, Purcell, Revelstoke/Kootenays areas): High (4) across all elevations. Avoid avalanche terrain entirely. Natural cycle ongoing; large avalanches likely to run full paths, even from small triggers.

Green = Low 1, Yellow = Medium 2, Orange = Considerable 3, Red = High 4, Black = Extreme 5

Bottom line for anyone heading out near Vernon or east this week: If untrained, avoid avalanche terrain completely, no slopes ~25–30° or steeper, open bowls, gullies, runouts, or areas below overhead hazards, even if they look mellow.

Stay in simple, safe spots only: dense forests, very gentle slopes (under 25°), ridges with no steep drops above, or flat valleys far from slide paths.

Always check the latest forecast on avalanche.ca before every trip and follow warnings strictly.

Travel with at least one experienced, trained partner; carry (and know basics of) transceiver, probe, shovel.

Get trained soon: Start free with Avy Savvy at avysavvy.avalanche.ca, then take an AST course.

The Mountains look amazing, but they are unstable right now. Stay safe.

Avalanche Danger Spikes in BC Interior