Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Apr 12 – 13, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Last day of low avalanche danger—be prepared to manage variable crusts, isothermal snow, and lingering cornices if you head out.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Cloud and light rain should keep the snowpack near isothermal as it melts away. Mostly this slushy snow creates difficult travel conditions, but if you get caught in heavier rain, wet loose avalanches may become possible on steep slopes.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported recently, and under current conditions, very little activity is expected. If you get out into the backcountry, post a MIN!

Snowpack Summary

As the freezing level drops, a trace of new snow will fall on the old surface above 1300 m. Cloud cover and light rain have limited crust recovery, keeping the snowpack weak and near isothermal as it gradually melts. About 20 cm of snow has been lost at treeline over the past week.

Little change is expected at lower elevations. Watch for slushy, isothermal conditions—these can make travel difficult and increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanches.

Snow depths remain around 170 cm at 1350 m, but the pack is thinning quickly, especially on solar aspects.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 mm of rain at treeline. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Monday

Cloudy. 1 to 3 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 15 to 25 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.

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