Vancouver Island

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Be cautious of buried obstacles under the snow surface.

The limited number of reports we have received have not described any avalanches. Considering the shallow snowpack, avalanche activity is unlikely but would be limited to slopes with enough snow to cover rocks, logs, and shrubs.

If you head into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the MIN.

Snow depth varies rapidly with elevation. There is no snow below 1000 m, about 20–40 cm at treeline, and up to 80 cm in the high alpine. A dusting of snow on Wednesday will sit on a hard crust in the alpine or moist snow below treeline. Overall, the snowpack is strong without any concerns.

Tuesday Night

Increasing clouds. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Thursday

Cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Friday

Cloudy. 15 to 20 mm of rain switching to snow at treeline. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C dropping to 0 °C. Freezing level 1900 m dropping to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• If it's deep enough to ride, it's deep enough to slide (avalanche).
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.
• Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.