Vancouver Island

Be aware of changing avalanche conditions throughout the day. Hazard will rise as storm snow accumulates.

Enjoy the low-elevation snow, but remember what hazards lurk below it!

Observations are limited at this time of year. No new avalanches have been reported or observed. If you do head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!

10 - 20 cm of snow will accumulate through the day Friday and add to the previous storm snow to create a 30-60 cm storm slab.

In open alpine and treeline areas, moderate winds are expected to create deep pockets of wind slab in lee areas.

By end of day Friday an average of 70-100 cm of snow can be found in the alpine, with wind-loaded areas up to 150 cm.

Every storm helps to creep the snowpack toward threshold for avalanches however some areas at treeline and most areas below treeline have yet to overcome ground roughness and remain below the threshold.

Thursday night

Cloudy with light flurries starting after midnight, accumulating to a few cm by morning. Light south to southeast ridge winds. Alpine temperature of -5 and freezing levels at the valley bottoms.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries that increase in intensity throughout the day. Snow amounts total 10-15 cm by the evening. Moderate east ridge winds. Alpine temperatures hover around -5 and freezing levels rise to 300 m.

Snow continues through Friday night adding another 10 - 15 cm by Saturday morning.

Scattered clouds clearing in the afternoon. Light southeast to east winds. Alpine temperature high of -1. Freezing levels rise to 600 m on the southern half of the island.

Clear skies and light east winds. Alpine temperatures rise to +1 degree. Freezing levels 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Adjust your travel plans accordingly to the changing conditions of elevation and time of day.
• Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.