Mountain Weather Forecast

A robust low-pressure system, measuring 960 mb, has established itself over the northeastern Pacific and is driving a powerful front toward the North Coast today. Strong southeast winds have intensified overnight across the North Coast, and they will continue to strengthen throughout the day. Exposed coastal areas of Haida Gwaii and the North Coast should brace for southerly winds exceeding 120 km/h. The front is anticipated to traverse the North Coast this evening and reach the South Coast by Tuesday morning, gradually weakening in its progression.

As the front approaches, southerly winds ahead of it will raise freezing levels over the South Coast to around 3500 meters this afternoon. Subsequently, the freezing levels are expected to drop to 1000 to 1500 meters Tuesday late in the day, in the aftermath of the front. Moreover, an above-freezing layer spanning from 2000 to 3500 meters is foreseen across BC interior ranges, extending from the Cascades to the Purcells and to the North Rockies, tonight through Tuesday. However, in relatively flat areas like the Cariboo and Prince George regions, warm air is expected to reach the surface, resulting in above-freezing temperatures from the surface to 3500 meters.

In support of public avalanche forecasting, we will be shifting the focus of this blog to address mountain weather. Content for the Alberta Rockies and Yukon will be available starting Nov. 23.

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The 500 mb animation illustrates a profound upper-level low advancing toward the Gulf of Alaska today, simultaneously with a high-pressure ridge developing over southern BC. Positioned between the low and the ridge, a robust front is directed towards the North Coast.

By Tuesday, the low is expected to shift northward, quickly weakening, allowing the front to separate and traverse the South Coast later in the day. Following this, a ridge of high pressure will take command over the province, ushering in a period of dry weather starting on Wednesday.