Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Mar 12 – 13, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Avalanches remain possible at higher elevations where varying snow amounts and wind have buried a crust.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Varying amounts of snow have accumulated atop a widespread crust since last weekend. Expect slabs to be larger and more likely in wind-loaded terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.
  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

If you head out, please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 50 cm or more of recent snow has buried a widespread crust formed last weekend. Strong winds have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain, while the snow remains generally low-density in sheltered terrain.

Below the crust, the remainder of the snowpack is generally settled and well-bonded.

Read the MIN from the local AvCan field team for more details on North Island conditions.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday
Mostly sunny. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.

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