The new storm snow may need another day or two to bond to underlying layers.
Human-triggering remains possible on specific features.
The southern and western Island received the most snow from the storm, while the northern and eastern areas saw less and may have lower danger.
On Saturday, several storm slab avalanches sized 1 to 1.5, were ski cut near Mt.Washington.
On Friday, our field team reported shooting cracks from their skis on Mt.Cokely.
We expect that a widespread large avalanche cycle occurred Saturday in areas that received significant precipitation and wind. Natural avalanche activity is forecast to have tapered off by Monday but human-triggering remains possible.
Over the last storm, 60 cm accumulated in some areas on the western and southern Island, with lesser amounts of 20 to 30 cm elsewhere. An additional 5 to 20 cm is expected to fall overnight and through Monday.
Strong to extreme southeasterly winds scoured windward slopes in many areas, creating deep deposits far downslope in leeward areas. These areas should be avoided until the storm snow has a chance to bond.
The mid snowpack is made up of a series of crusts with moist snow between. The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.
Total snow depths at treeline vary across Vancouver Island, from 230 cm near Mt. Washington, to 130 cm near Mt Cain.
Sunday Night
Cloudy, 2 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southeast switching to southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with 3 to 11 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of snow / moderate to heavy rain. 60 to 80 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level around 1300 m. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 10 to 25 cm of snow / moderate to heavy rain. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
