Vancouver Island

The surface crust will melt as the sun and warm temperatures increase over the day. Once the crust softens, loose wet avalanches are possible.

High

• The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

Multiple loose wet avalanches up size 2 were reported in the Mt Washington backcountry area on Monday. A widespread wet natural avalanche cycle occurred during the heavy rain, across all aspects and elevations.

The new surface crust will deteriorate as the day warms up. Below, the 30-50 cm of recent snow is rain-soaked and greatly diminished. We have lost a significant amount of snow over the last few days due to heavy rain.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally moist and well-bonded, with average depths of 100–150 cm at treeline. Currently, there are no layers of concern in the snowpack.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

Thursday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 7 °C. Freezing level 3200 m.

Friday
Sunny. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 10 °C. Freezing level 3400 m.

Saturday
Sunny. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 13 °C. Freezing level 3500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche danger will increase as the surface crust breaks down.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.