Winter has returned! Be patient and avoid avalanche terrain while the storm snow settles. Early season hazards are still lurking below the surface.
A large amount of snow is falling on a thin, early season snowpack. This rapid change will increase the likelihood of avalanches, especially where existing snow has smoothed out rough ground surfaces.
Expect avalanche activity to be widespread as this new storm dumps a large amount of snow over a thin, early season snowpack.
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 50 cm of new snow has introduced rapid change to the thin, early season snowpack. In the alpine and upper treeline the new snow could form rider triggerable storm slabs on specific slopes that are above threshold.
The new snow is falling on a variety of early season surfaces, including crusts and 5-15 cm of recent snow. Previously, snowpack height at treeline currently ranged 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 in areas that have been wind loaded like gullies and sheltered pockets below ridgelines. Below treeline was mostly snow free before this storm.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 30-50 cm of new snow expected, possibly more on the west side of the island. Strong to Extreme southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud, trace of new snow expected. Strong northwest ridgetop wind, freezing level around 1000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, 10 cm of snow at high elevations, moderate rain up to 1750 m. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. freezing level rising to 2000 m in the morning during the heaviest precipitation, and falling back down to 1200 m in the afternoon.
Monday
Cloudy. Light to moderate rain, possibly heavy on the west side of the island. Strong to Extreme south or southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
