Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Feb 16 – 17, 2026Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 8 months ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Be cautious on ridgecrests and roll overs. Up to 10 cm of new snow may bury recently formed wind slabs.

Seek out sheltered terrain for the best and safest riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Approach wind-loaded slopes on ridgecrests and roll overs with caution. Up to 10 cm of new snow could bury stiff wind slabs that could still be triggered by riders.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, riders in the Mt. Washington backcountry observed wind-loaded snow at ridgetops up to 50 cm thick, which was cracking underfoot, suggesting reactive wind slabs may exist in these areas. Read the full details in this MIN report.

Looking forward to Monday, recently formed wind slabs in lee terrain features continue to be the main concern.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow overlies 10 to 30 cm of recent storm snow, which was redistributed into wind slabs in exposed areas by strong westerly wind. This snow buried a thick crust on all aspects and elevations except high north. The crust may be on or near the surface on south and west slopes.

The remainder of the snowpack is moist to ground.

The snowpack depth at treeline ranges from 85 to 130 cm, there is very little snow below treeline.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

Regions covered