Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Feb 17 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

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

Carefully assess steep terrain for wind slab before committing.

Seek out sheltered terrain for the best and safest riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Approach steep slopes near ridge crests with caution.

    Recent strong wind means that wind slab could be found farther downslope than expected.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in the past 5 days, but observations have been limited.

Cracking was observed in wind loaded features near treeline around Mt. Washington.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of recent snow with moderate to strong westerly wind has formed deep deposits on leeward slopes but may have scoured the surface back to a crust on windward terrain.

The remainder of the snowpack is well settled.

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

Weather Summary

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday
Mostly sunny. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.

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