Melting snow may trigger flooding as B.C.'s south coast warms up

British Columbia's south coast could see about 25 centimetres of snow before the white stuff turns to rain beginning as early as Wednesday night, forecasters said.

Environment Canada said there could be some sunny breaks on Christmas Day, and higher temperatures are expected in the days ahead — up to 8 C.

But warmer temperatures could translate into potential flooding from melting snow, and the British Columbia Automobile Association is advising homeowners to take steps now to prevent headaches later on.

"Most people know where their external drains are [so] just to shovel the snow away from that," said Patricia Stirling, a manager with the BCAA, which also offers home insurance.

"Check around your home, make sure that your gutters are clear, that your downspouts are taking the water away from the house, and also make sure that any drains around your home have no debris in them."

Stirling said homeowners who are going away for the holidays are advised to leave their heat on and have a neighbour drop by to check for signs of flooding.

There are other dangers that come with melting snow, she said.

"The weight of this snow, especially when it becomes quite wet, is tremendous, and it can collapse decks, roofs [and] all sorts of things."

Avalanche warning issued

The Canadian Avalanche Centre has issued an avalanche warning for B.C.'s south coast and North Shore.

The risk along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is rated as "considerable" and will likely be "high" by Saturday, said avalanche forecaster Karl Klassen.

All of the new snow Wednesday was falling on a very shallow existing snow pack so people need to think twice about heading into the backcountry, he said.

"It's a time to really adjust your expectations and adjust your plans so that you don't just go out there without thinking about it and make a mistake because you are so keen to get out into the new snows," Klassen said.