Vancouver Island

Watch for lingering reactivity in wind slabs sitting over a crust at upper elevations.

Last week, an island-wide large avalanche cycle took place during the height of the Christmas storm.

By Saturday, reported avalanche activity was limited to loose dry sluffing and size 1 skier controlled wind slabs.

Mild temperatures promote settlement in 50 to 80 cm of recent snow, including 10-30 cm fresh from the weekend.

The recent snow sits over a widespread crust. At upper elevations, dry snow has been redistributed by strong winds, exposing the crust in places, and depositing deep drifts in lees.

Below 1400 m, surfaces are moist and/or crusty.

The remainder of the snowpack is thoroughly settled and bonded.

Snowpack depths at treeline are now about 130 -180 cm on the north and south island, closer to 250 to 300 cm on the central island.

Sunday night

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries but no significant accumulation. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind, increasing. Treeline temperature -3°C.

Wednesday

Cloudy 5 to 15 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.