Vancouver Island

Continually assess conditions throughout the day.

Travel may be difficult due to a new crust on or just below the surface on all but high north terrain.

High

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

Several small, dry loose and storm slab avalanches were observed by our field team near Mt Cain on Tuesday. These avalanches released naturally in steep terrain.

No other avalanches have been reported in the past couple days.

Another 2 to 5 cm of storm snow, expected during the day on Thursday, will add to the 30 cms of snow over the thick crust on high north facing terrain. A new crust is likely on or just below the surface on all other aspects.

The snowpack depth at treeline ranges from 85 to 130 cm, there is very little snow below treeline.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.