Avalanche risk rises in parts of B.C. after warm spell.

Unseasonably warm weather has increased avalanche danger in parts of British Columbia, with Avalanche Canada listing high risk in some Interior ranges; forecasts show cooling may form a surface crust but elevated risk remains.

Unseasonably warm weather has raised avalanche danger in parts of British Columbia's Southern Interior and in sections of the North Coast. Avalanche Canada has listed avalanche risk as high in some Interior mountain ranges. Forecasters said recent storms followed by a period of high pressure have brought warmer air and clear skies, creating uncertainty about how the snowpack will respond. Reported facts: - Avalanche Canada has listed high avalanche risk in some Interior ranges and parts of the North Coast. - Forecaster Zoe Ryan said mid-winter warming can weaken layers within the snowpack and described the current pattern as unusual for this time of year. - Officials noted that cooling and the formation of a surface crust may ease danger in some areas, but elevated risk remains in parts of the southern Interior and longer-range forecasts are less certain. Summary: The warming period has already affected winter recreation and tourism and has made snowpack stability harder to judge, according to local and national sources. Undetermined at this time.