Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

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.

New snow will overlie a crust at all elevations. In the alpine and upper treeline this new snow could form rider triggerable wind slab on isolated slopes that are above threshold. Think gullies and similar features.

Snowpack height at treeline currently ranges from less than 20 cm at Mt Arrowsmith to around 50 cm in Strathcona Park to 30 cm at Mt Cain. snowpack depths are deeper only in areas where the wind has drifted it in.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, southeast ridgetop wind 15 to 35 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow expected, southeast ridgetop wind 15 to 30 km/h shifting to southwest 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Friday

Cloudy in the morning and clearing throughout the day, up to 5 cm of new snow expected, southeast ridgetop wind 25 to 40 km/h shifting to south 10 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with  trace amounts of snow on the east side of the Island and up to 30 cm of new snow by early morning on the west side of the Island, west ridgetop wind 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.
• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Travelling on skis is hazardous due to a very shallow mountain snowpack.