Vancouver Island

Conditions are generally safe, but there are still isolated hazards on slopes getting hit by the sun and in steep alpine terrain.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Patchy clouds and scattered flurries bringing localized accumulations up to 5 cm above 800 m, light wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures around -4 C.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with some isolated flurries bringing trace amounts of snow, light wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures reach -1 C.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow above 800 m, light wind from the southeast, treeline temperatures around -3 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries bringing trace amounts of snow, light wind from the east, treeline temperatures around -1 C.

A few small avalanches were observed on Saturday, likely the result of warm sunny weather weakening the surface snow. Small wind slabs may exist in alpine terrain.

Unsettled weather will create variable surface conditions this week as localized flurries will bring light accumulations of soft snow and periodic sunny breaks will moisten the surface. There may also be small wind slabs in alpine terrain as the wind shifts from southwest to northeast. A hard thick crust can be found within 20 cm of the surface at most elevations, with the snow generally strong and bonded beneath the crust.

• Carefully evaluate bigger terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.
• Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.