Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Mar 5 – 6, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The sun packs a punch this time of year. Reduce your exposure to steep slopes facing the sun during the warmest parts of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    40 to 50 cm of recent new snow may become more reactive with extended periods of sun and afternoon warming.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect loose snow point releases on steep or rocky solar aspects, especially in the afternoon.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There were no reports of avalanche activity Sunday and Monday.

On Saturday, skier triggered storm an wind slabs were reported up to size 1.5 at and below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Many areas have received 20-50 cm of localized convective snowfall over the weekend, bringing weekly storm totals up to 60 to 100+ cm. The 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 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.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with clear breaks. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 600 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with light flurries. 25 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

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