Avalanche Forecast

Low

So far this season no avalanches have been reported on the Island.

Please consider filling out a MIN report if you are out in the backcountry.

Up to 25 cm of new snow will overlie a crust at all elevations. In the alpine and upper treeline this new snow could form rider triggerable wind slab on isolated slopes that are above threshold. Think gullies and similar features.

Snowpack height at treeline currently ranges from less than 30 cm at Mt Arrowsmith to around 50 cm in Strathcona Park to 30 cm at Mt Cain. snowpack depths are deeper only in areas where the wind has drifted it in. Below treeline at best there is just a dusting of new snow.

Thursday Night

Cloudy, trace to 10 cm of new snow expected with highest amounts on west side of the Island, southeast ridgetop wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3°C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, trace to 10 cm of new snow expected, west ridgetop wind 10 to 25 km/h, freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud, trace to 20 cm of new snow by early morning with greatest amounts on the west side of the Island, southwest ridgetop wind 15 to 25 km/h, freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, up to 50 mm of precipitation expected with the greatest amounts on the west side of the Island, south ridgetop wind 35 to 45 km/h, freezing level rising to 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.