Vancouver Island

Reactive wind slabs may remain at higher elevations.

Finding snow free of wind effects will offer the best riding.

On Wednesday a local ski hill was able to trigger a cornice avalanche with the use of explosives at a depth of 30 cm. The slope below the cornice did not trigger.

Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

A melt-freeze crust likely exists on all aspects below 1400 m. Above 1400 m, dry snow has likely been redistributed into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features by strong southerly winds.

The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

At lower elevations, the snowpack was recently rain soaked.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries; trace / 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 900 m

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud / 30 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around getting up to 2 C by the end of the day / Freezing level 1400 m

Saturday

Snow(rain below 1000m); 10-20 cm / 50 km/h south ridgetop wind gusting to 75 / Temperature at treeline around 2 C / Freezing level 1300 m

Sunday

Snow(rain below 800m); 10 to 20 cm / 50 to 60 km/h southwest wind / Temperature at treeline around -3 C / Freezing level 1000 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.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.