Regions
Vancouver Island.
No new avalanches observed.
Past Weather
Spring melt freeze cycle continues to exhibit its will onto the Vancouver Island snowpack creating a dense surface snowpack and some minimal wet sloughing on steep unsupported terrain. Friday: No snow expected throughout forecast area, Winds Moderate from the WNW, Freezing level 1,700MSaturday: Less than 2cm snow expected throughout forecast area, Winds Moderate from the WSW (gusting to moderate in afternoon), Freezing level 1,000M (except Freezing level rising to 1300M on Central Vancouver IslandSunday: Moderate to heavy Snowfall expected (Rain expected at Below Treeline Elevation band) 15cm snow to 35cm snow expected throughout forecast area at Treeline and Alpine, Winds Moderate from the WNW, Freezing level 1,050M
Weather Forecast
Expect the spring melt freeze cycle to take a pause on Sunday as Extreme winds, Moderate snowfall rates and lower freezing level bring a return to Powder Shots?! The last gasp of winter?!
Terrain Advice
Practice patience and allow time for new storm instabilities to stabilize prior to committing to any steep terrain.Plan routes and choose terrain that is low angle and supportive as you begin to venture into unmodified and uncontrolled snowpack and terrain.Identify and avoid travel either above or below cornice features.Adjust travel plans to ensure avoidance of slopes during warming and where rain events may occur.
Snowpack Summary
A firm yet moisture laden snowpack has formed and brought about a great deal of stability as the result of warm daytime heating and a nighttime cooling (well below zero).
Snowpack Details
- Surface: Hard surface snowpack on Solar aspects and firm upper snowpack on Northerly terrain
- Upper: A well bonded and dense moisture laden snowpack
- Mid: A well bonded and dense moisture laden snowpack
- Lower: A well bonded and dense moisture laden snowpack
Confidence
Moderate - Weather models in agreement. Limited weather and snowpack observations submitted from public.
Problems
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.