Vancouver Island

If freezing levels are lower than forecast and upper elevations receive snow instead of rain, triggering large avalanches will be likely on Thursday.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

If freezing levels are lower than expected and upper elevations receive snow instead of rain, triggering avalanches will be likely on Thursday.

Forecast rain to mountain tops may trigger wet loose avalanches on Thursday.

40-60 cm of moist snow overlies a hard crust.

Average treeline snow depth is 100 to 140 cm and tapers rapidly with elevation.

Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 30 to 60 mm of rain below 1600 m (snow above). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Thursday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 mm of rain below 1700 m. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday
Cloudy. 45 to 60 mm of rain below 1600 m (snow above). 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.