Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Jan 15 – 16, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The surface crust will melt as the sun and warm temperatures increase over the day. Once the crust softens, loose wet avalanches are possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Once the crust melts, loose wet avalanches are possible.

Confidence

High

  • The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

Avalanche Summary

Multiple loose wet avalanches up size 2 were reported in the Mt Washington backcountry area on Monday. A widespread wet natural avalanche cycle occurred during the heavy rain, across all aspects and elevations.

Snowpack Summary

The new surface crust will deteriorate as the day warms up. Below, the 30-50 cm of recent snow is rain-soaked and greatly diminished. We have lost a significant amount of snow over the last few days due to heavy rain.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally moist and well-bonded, with average depths of 100–150 cm at treeline. Currently, there are no layers of concern in the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

Thursday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 7 °C. Freezing level 3200 m.

Friday
Sunny. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 10 °C. Freezing level 3400 m.

Saturday
Sunny. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 13 °C. Freezing level 3500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avalanche danger will increase as the surface crust breaks down.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Regions covered