Avalanche Forecast

A natural avalanche cycle was observed up to size 2 through the recent stormy period, with the most recent observations on Friday. Most were on north to east aspects at treeline and above.

Localized convective snowfall continues to accumulate variably throughout the region. 50 to 100 cm of recent snow sits over a crust on all but high north aspects. At upper elevations recent snow has been redistributed by wind.

Below the crust, the snowpack is moist and generally well consolidated. A facet/crust layer in the mid snowpack was put to the test by the significant new snow load and it does not appear to present an avalanche problem at this time.

Below treeline areas have now received enough snow to produce avalanches. Watch for "early season" type hazards such as shallowly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.

Unsettled atmospheric conditions are producing convective precipitation, with locally heavy amounts in some areas.

Saturday night

Partly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing a trace of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 300 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with convective flurries brining 5 to 15 cm of snow to many areas with local enhancements upwards of 30 cm near Comox. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Monday

Localized convective flurries bringing 5-15 cm of snow overnight then clearing to mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Tuesday

Sunny. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Stick to simple terrain or small features with limited consequence.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.