Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No recent avalanches have been reported. Stormy weather with flurries and gusty winds is expected to elevate the avalanche danger, increasing the likelihood of human-triggered avalanches.

If you visit the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Rain, wet snow, and flurries accumulating through Friday morning have formed reactive pockets of dry(ish) snow at upper elevations and moist surfaces lower down.

Strong southerly winds are expected to build thicker and more reactive wind slabs on lee northerly slopes near ridgetops. At upper elevations, fresh snow covers a widespread thick and supportive crust formed during last week's warm sunny weather.

Wet surface snow or an isothermal snowpack may be found below the rain/snow line, which is expected to rise up to 1400 m throughout the day.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong, with no concerns at this time.

Thursday Night

Flurries and wet snow, 10-20 cm by Friday morning, forecast snowfall totals are higher towards the south and west end of the Island. Southeast ridgetop wind gusting to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature low of -1 °C. Freezing level near 1000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm snow/light rain. South and decreasing ridgetop wind, 15-30 km/h. Treeline temperature high +3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Saturday

Sunny. Northwest ridgetop wind gusting to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature high +3 °C. Freezing level rising to around 1600 m.

Sunday

Sunny. Northwest ridgetop wind gusting to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature high +6 °C. Freezing level rising above 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.