Vancouver Island

A firm, widespread crust exists. Be aware of slippery and difficult travel conditions, this may be the greatest backcountry hazard.

Surface hoar growth and surface faceting continue with recent cool and clear weather conditions. A widespread crust likely exists at or just below the surface in all but alpine, north-facing terrain. Variable wind-affected snow can be found in areas without a surface crust.

The mid and lower snowpack is dense and well-settled with no current concerns.

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

If you are headed into the backcountry please consider submitting a MIN report.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy. 10 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C, potential for inversion with colder temperatures below treeline.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind shifting to west throughout day. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with trace amounts of snow. 25 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 20 to 35 km/h north ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.