Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Vancouver Island.
Travel and Terrain Advice
Avoid wind loaded lee (NE-NW) alpine slopes, open lee slopes at treeline and crossloaded features during and after the storm Christmas night (Tues Dec 25).
Continue to give cornices a wide berth both after Tuesdays storm and as temps and freezing levels rise late Friday (esp if there is rainfall).
As temps climb and if rain falls on our snowpack late Friday, avoid exposure above terrain traps (rocks, creeks, cliffs, depressions, gullies, etc) as loose wet slides tend to have significant strength, weight and power.
Avalanche Summary
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack Details
Past Weather
Weather Forecast
Wednesday Dec 26th - 10-25 cm of new snow with the largest amount forecast for the east (Strathcona) region. Winds strong (up to 60 km/h) from the SE. Temps ranging from -1 to -5. Freezing levels near 800 to 950 m.
Thursday Dec 27th - a trace to 4 cm of new snow. Winds variable and light rising to moderate SW by days end. Temps ranging from -1 to -4. Freezing level 800 to 950 m.
Friday Dec 28th - 1 to 5 cm of new snow potentially switching to rain late in the day/overnight at all elevations (weather models in debate as to how high the rain will go and in what quantity). Winds light SW rising to moderate. Temps -2 rising sharply later on up to +2. Freezing levels 700 rising to 2400 m. Nasty!
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2