Prévisions météo en montagne

The title says it all. A frontal system descending through the province today through Saturday morning will bring a round of fresh snow to all mountain ranges. Given the source region for the moisture coming from the north, the QPF is only expected to be light to moderate. However, with the cold airmass in place we could see potentially higher snowfall accumulations (upwards of 15cm) east of the Coast Mountain crest because of higher snow-to-liquid ratios (SLRs). Also watch for easterly upslope enhancement near the Coquihalla and southern Chilcotins, and the possibility of higher amounts in the Kootenay-Boundary and southern Purcell regions along the Canada/US border. With freezing levels near sea level on the coast, not only will this keep winter in the minds of low-level dwellers, but also provide fresh snow to Vancouver Island and South Coast backcountry destinations.

After a brief reprieve from strong winds, intense outflow conditions will redevelop starting with the North and Central coasts on Friday, reaching the South Coast inlets Friday night and Saturday. The worst of the ridgetop winds (northeasteries reaching 100+ km/h) are expected to occur from Kitimat to Bella Coola Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. An east-to-west surface pressure gradient simultaneously develops along the Rockies producing moderate to strong low-level northeasterlies which is almost entirely opposite to the wind pattern of the highest ridgetops (more of a south or southwest direction).

Finally, northeasterly winds during winter wouldn't be complete without a refresh of bitter cold Arctic air sweeping back through the province at all elevations. Time to break out multiple layers of clothing to protect oneself against windchill. Interested in calculating the windchill in your area? Click here.

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The 500mb animation shows an upper trough dropping down from the Alaskan Panhandle bringing snow to the interior and outer Vancouver Island today, with a delayed impact on the South Coast, Kootenay-Boundary and Purcell ranges until this evening and Friday. The low pressure area that spins up over Vancouver Island will sustain periods of snow stretching from south Vancouver Island to Cranbrook through Saturday, raising total snowfall amounts. This feature will also replenish Arctic air, plummeting the province back into the deep freeze through at least mid next week. Another upper low drops down out of the NWT on Sunday to bring a chance for additional light snowfall.