Vancouver Island

Use good travel habits and stick to shaded terrain if sun facing slopes start to show signs of instability.

High elevation, north facing terrain may still hold some dry snow.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

No recent avalanches have been reported.

If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.

Conditions vary greatly across the island. In the alpine and at treeline on the north and west island, expect to find 40-60 cm of settling snow (possibly moist, possibly containing thin crusts) over the thick and strong mid-March crust. On the east and south island, this crust may be near the surface.

Steep south facing slopes may be crusty or moist depending on time of day and sun exposure.

The snowpack below the mid-March crust is wet but well settled and strong.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear skies. 1 to 5 cm of snow (highest amounts on the south island). 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level falling to near sea level.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind, decreasing to calm through the day. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m by the afternoon.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Although avalanches are unlikely when a hard crust exists on the snow surface, the crust may pose a slip and fall hazard.