Vancouver Island

Heavy snowfall and strong south west winds are elevating the avalanche danger rating.

Seek non avalanche terrain during periods of High hazard.

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
• Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

No avalanches have been reported in the past week, but field observations remain limited.

Incoming storm snow totals of 30 to 60 cm will fall on a thick rain crust formed on Sunday night. Strong south west winds are expected to transport snow to lee aspect terrain, depositing deeper amounts of new snow. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and dense.

Snowpack depth at treeline have been reported between 100 and 120 cm.

Monday Night
Cloudy. 20 to 45 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.