Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Vancouver Island.
Dust off the crampons and ice axes, travel in the mountains is challenging! Avalanches are unlikely where a thick melt freeze crust sits on the surface. Be careful, a fall may result in a long slide on the slick crust.
Confidence
High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast
Weather Forecast
A high pressure system has established itself across the coast. Clear skies and warm air at higher elevations will persist until Friday.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Valley cloud with light NW wind. Freezing levels 2500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Valley cloud/fog. Sunny above, light W wind, freezing levels around 2500 m. Alpine high of +5.Â
THURSDAY: Sunny, moderate SW wind, freezing levels around 2600 m. Alpine high of +5.
FRIDAY: Increasing cloud with moderate SW winds. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m over the day. Alpine high +2.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been reported.Â
Observations remain limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A thick crust extends from valley bottom to mountain top. Surface conditions remain solid despite the warm temperatures and sun.Â
Below this crust, snow is moist down 30-50 cm and several old crusts are now breaking down. The middle and base of the snowpack are well settled and strong, consisting of well bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack has been receding to marginal levels below treeline.
Terrain and Travel
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.