After a long spell of little precipitation, Whistler and the Sea to Sky are in for an onslaught of snow and rain this weekend.
According to Environment Canada, a pair of weather alerts are in effect for the Sea to Sky on Saturday morning: a snowfall warning for Whistler, with 15 to 25 centimetres expected before tomorrow, and a rainfall warning for Pemberton, with up to 60 mm in the forecast this weekend.
"An atmospheric river will bring heavy snow to the Whistler area this weekend. Snow levels will fluctuate with the precipitation rates and movement of the atmospheric river," reads the snowfall warning. "Temperatures hovering near the freezing mark will result in precipitation changing from snow to rain and back. Total snowfall accumulation will be dependent on the factors mentioned above. Expect quickly changing surface conditions. As the atmospheric river begins its movement southeast overnight, a push of warm air is expected and thus snow will change to rain tonight. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop."
Meanwhile, in Pemberton, residents are reminded heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
"Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations," Environment Canada said.
To top it all off, the wet and soggy weather is also wreaking havoc in the backcountry, where Avalanche Canada says the danger is currently high.
"Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended on Saturday. Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 30 cm of new snow," the forecaster said on its website.
Play safe out there friends!
