Vancouver Island

Storm snow may remain reactive to human triggers, especially in wind affected features.

Look for changing conditions as you shift elevation and aspect.

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
• Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

Yesterday natural wind slabs were observed with active wind loading ongoing. Reactivity is expected to continue in wind affected features.

By 4pm Wednesday, up to 60 cm of storm snow overlies a thick rain crust formed last weekend. On north through to east facing slopes, expect to find deeper deposits due to wind transport. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and dense.

Snowpack depths at treeline vary between 100 - 120 cm.

Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 40-60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40-50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50-60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 30 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 60-90 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 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.
• Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
• Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.