Vancouver Island

Watch for wind slab in unusual areas from strong northwest winds.

Factor cold temperatures and wind chill in your trip plan this weekend.

No new avalanches have been reported.

During the storm on Monday and Tuesday, storm slabs up to size 2.5 occurred. On Tuesday near Mount Washington, several skier-triggered storm slabs up to size 1.5 were reported from steep or wind-loaded terrain at treeline.

Reactivity in wind loaded features is expected to continue.

Up to 90 cm of recent snow has been transported into wind slabs on south and east facing slopes by strong northwest winds. Expect to find pockets of dense and deep wind slab in wind loaded terrain and crusts or bare ground in exposed terrain.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, with numerous hard melt-freeze crusts.

Treeline snow depths generally range from 50 to 150 cm. Snow depth diminishes rapidly below 500 m where there has been more rainfall.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear with isolated flurries possible. Northwest winds 30-60 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -16 °C.

Friday

Mainly sunny with no snowfall. Northwest winds increase, 40-80 km/h. Treeline temperatures remain steady around -16 °C.

Saturday

Sunny with afternoon cloud possible. Northwest winds 10-30 km/h. Treeline temperatures "warm" to around -12 °C.

Sunday

Sunny skies with northerly winds 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperatures finally climb out of the deep freeze, reaching -4 °C.

With unusually cold temperatures forecast for this weekend, check out the most recent Forecaster Blog for tips on backcountry preparedness.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.