Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Where dry snow is falling in the alpine, pockets of wind slabs may form in lee areas.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapVancouver Island
Apr 5 – 6, 2025Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired last year
Avalanche danger
Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
Pockets of stiff wind slab may form where dry snow accumulates in the alpine.
At lower elevations, rain will percolate through a dense, well-settled snowpack.
Avalanche problems
Loose Wet
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–1.5
Small wet loose avalanches may occur where rain has weakened the upper snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanches have been observed since last weekend.
Snowpack Summary
At higher elevations, new snow accumulates atop a 5 to 20 cm thick surface crust, while lower-down rain will continue to melt and percolate through a dense, well-bonded snowpack.
The height of snow at treeline is roughly 250 cm.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with rain, 5 to 15 mm. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to +3 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with mixed precipitation, 5 to 15 mm. 40 to 80 km/h south ridge top wind. Treeline temperature drops to 0 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with mixed precipitation, 5 to 10 mm. 40 to 80 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with mixed precipitation, 5 to 30 mm. 40 to 80 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.