Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Mar 15 – 16, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Avoid steep wind loaded terrain as up to 50 cm of stiff wind slabs overlie weak facets above a crust. Seek out wind sheltered terrain above 1200 m where the riding is surprisingly good. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Watch for reactivity or signs of instability such as cracking or recent avalanches in wind-loaded pockets.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Flurries up to 5 cm, 30-40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C. Freezing level 800 m.

Wednesday: Flurries bringing a trace, 30-40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Thursday: Snowfall 10-20 cm, 50-60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Friday: Snowfall 5-10 cm, 60-70 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -3 C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations since explosive control work on Sunday produced wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5. Small loose wet avalanches were reported in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of recent well-settled snow has been redistributed by wind to variable depths at upper elevations. The recent snow appears to be bonding well to a widespread hard melt-freeze crust found across the region. The crust is thickest at low elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. The crust may not exist on high alpine terrain on north aspects.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

Below treeline, snowpack depths are below threshold for avalanches in many areas.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Regions covered