Vancouver Island

Natural avalanche activity is expected to continue throughout this storm. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snow and strong wind.

We expect natural avalanche activity to have begun on Saturday. Activity should continue throughout Sunday as heavy snowfall continues.

This MIN has great details on what the new snow is falling over in the Mt Washington area, and reactivity in wind affected terrain.

Storm totals are expected to reach 50-150 cm by Sunday afternoon. Extreme southerly ridgetop winds will make for widely varied conditions at higher elevations, with deep deposits expected in sheltered areas and exposed terrain possibly stripped back to hard surfaces. The new snow is unlikely to bond well in areas where it overlies weak facets or surface hoar.

Below the new snow, loose snow sits over a crust that exists on all but high north aspects.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.

Below 1000m the upper snowpack may be moist or wet.

Saturday Night

Cloudy. 30-60 cm of snow. 60 to 100 km/h southwesterly ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 700m.

Sunday

Cloudy. 10 to 30 cm of snow expected. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level around 1000m.

Monday

Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow expected. 60 to 90 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -2 °C. Freezing level around 1200m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with a chance of sun. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C. Freezing level around 1000m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.