Vancouver Island

Surface snow varies from firm surfaces to shady crust and soft spring snow.

Minor aspect changes make a big difference from slope to slope.

Learn more about spring snowpack conditions here.

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

Past evidence of wet loose avalanches (size 1 to 2) and old slabs are still visible, such as this one from Sutton Peak area.

NOTE: Observations are currently very limited in this region.

Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.

A typical spring diurnal cycle is underway.

High freezing levels have formed a surface crust everywhere.

The snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Lower elevations are melting out rapidly.

Wednesday Night

Clear. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Thursday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 12 °C. Freezing level 3500 m.

Friday

Sunny with increasing cloudiness. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 8 °C. Freezing level lowering to 2000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries up to 5 cm. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level lowering to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.