Vancouver Island

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.

Fresh wind slabs may build during the day and by the afternoon hazard could rise to CONSIDERABLE.

No new avalanche reports in this region.

We suspect reactive wind slabs could form at treeline and above by Saturday afternoon.

Observations have been limited. Please consider sharing your observations through the Mountain Information Network.

With freezing levels reaching 2500 m and ongoing rain, expect to find a slushy and rain soaked snowpack. When temperatures fall the snowpack will freeze and dry, likely producing a uniform and cohesive snowpack capped by a crust.

Snowpack depths at treeline vary from 200 to 250 cm.

Friday night

Cloudy with light rain, 5 to 10 mm. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with mix rain and snow at higher elevations, 15 to 25 mm. 50 to 80 km/h with gusts exceeding 100 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level reaching 1700 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with mix rain and snow, 15 to 35 mm. 50 to 80 km/h with gusts exceeding 130 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Monday

Cloudy with possible sunny breaks and light precipitation, 5 mm. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.