Vancouver Island

As temperatures rise throughout the day, the risk of wet loose avalanches will increase.

No new avalanches have been reported since last week.

Approximately 10 to 30 cm of new snow sits atop a variety of surfaces. These old surfaces include sun crusts on south-facing slopes, old wind slabs in exposed terrain, and up to 20 cm of soft, faceted snow on sheltered north-facing terrain.

The mid and lower pack contains deteriorating old crusts and storm layers that are now for the most part dense, homogenous, and moist.

Below treeline, most areas are below the threshold for forming avalanches.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday

Partly cloudy with no new snow. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
• Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.