Vancouver Island

Where theres dry snow (at the highest elevations), check for wind slabs around ridgelines and in leeward terrain.

A widespread avalanche cycle up to size 3 was reported on Wednesday, avalanche activity has since tapered.

At upper elevations, upwards 0f 20 cm wet flurries accumulated through Friday. Below 1100 m, the upper snowpack is wet and unconsolidated from above-freezing temperatures and rain.

A robust crust, formed in early March, can be found in the mid-pack. The snow above is well bonded to this crust. Below this, the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.

Friday Night

Cloudy with wet flurries, up to 10 cm falling as snow above 1000 m. 50 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday

Wet flurries and snow, 5 to 15 cm falling as snow above 1300 m. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. No new precipitation. 20 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday

Increasing clouds. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.