Vancouver Island

A soggy snowpack likely makes for sub-par travel conditions.

If you venture out, watch for loose wet avalanches gathering mass on steep slopes.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Sluffing and pinwheeling were reported on Monday and Tuesday, although observations are limited. We expect a widespread avalanche cycle occurred during the first few days of heavy rain.

Wet loose activity continues to be possible as temperatures remain elevated and rain continues.

Rain continues to saturate the snowpack with 10-30 cm of wet snow sitting above a widespread, thick crust.

Below, the remainder of the snowpack is generally settled and well-bonded.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of rain at treeline. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Thursday

Cloudy. 1 to 15 mm of rain at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 40 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.