Vancouver Island

Minimize your exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

No recent avalanches have been reported.

The current stormy weather is expected to elevate the avalanche danger, increasing the likelihood of human-triggered avalanches.

If you visit the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

20 to 30 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate at upper elevations by the end of the day Thursday.

Strong southerly winds are expected to build thicker and more reactive wind slabs on lee northerly slopes near ridgetops.

The storm snow sits on a widespread thick and supportive crust formed during last week's warm sunny weather.

Wet surface snow or an isothermal snowpack may be found below the rain/snow line, which is expected to rise from 900 to 1200 m throughout the day.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong, with no concerns at this time.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow possible. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature drops to around -3 °C. Freezing level drops to around 900 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow possible. 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of new snow/light rain. 20 to 30 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 1 °C. Freezing level rising to around 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.