B.C.'s coastal regions prepare for heavy snow and rain this week

An Alaskan low is set to bring heavy rain and snow to B.C. this week, lowering freezing levels and creating challenging wintry conditions in mountain passes and higher elevations.

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Significant snowfall is expected in alpine areas, with the potential for low-elevation snow later in the week, as well.

Heavy rain and alpine snow to impact B.C.’s coast and mountain passes starting Monday

Heavy rain and alpine snow will push into B.C.'s coastal communities and the coastal mountain range on Monday, spreading southward through the late evening and overnight hours into the South Coast.

Significant snowfall is expected early Tuesday for the North Shore Mountains and surrounding regions, with freezing levels dropping to 500 m or lower. Higher elevation areas such as Burnaby Mountain may see rain transition to snow flurries.

Freezing levels will stay below 1000 m on Tuesday, leading to heavy snow in mountain passes, particularly the Sea-to-Sky, Coquihalla, and Allison Pass. Blustery winds may cause blowing snow and reduced visibility, making travel hazardous.

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Meanwhile, the Lower Mainland will see moderate rain throughout the day, with 30-50 mm forecast.

Snow threat creeps into the Lower Mainland Wednesday

On Wednesday, another system moving south from the Gulf of Alaska will bring 10-20 mm of rain to the Lower Mainland.

By Wednesday night, temperatures near the freezing mark may allow a transition to a wintry mix or snow for some lower-elevation communities.

Ski resort snow

In all, between 20-40+ cm of snow is forecast for Cypress and Grouse Mountain in the North Shore Mountains, with 10+ cm of snow forecast for Big White and Silver Star.

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Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across B.C.