Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Mar 17 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

A soggy snowpack likely makes for sub-par travel conditions.

If you venture out, watch for loose wet avalanches gathering mass on steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Loose wet avalanches remain possible with saturated surface snow sitting over a crust. These are most likely on steep slopes.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing and pinwheeling were reported on Monday, although observations are limited. We expect a more widespread avalanche cycle occurred throughout the heavy rain.

Wet loose activity continues to be possible as temperatures remain elevated and rain continues.

Snowpack Summary

Rain continues to saturate the snowpack with 10-30 cm of wet snow sitting above a widespread, thick crust.

Below, the remainder of the snowpack is generally settled and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 15 to 45 mm of rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 25 mm of rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 40 mm of rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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