Vancouver Island

Avalanche conditions may become increasingly reactive Friday afternoon as the wind ramps up and loads fresh snow into leeward terrain features.

No recent avalanches have been reported, but field observations are limited this time of year.

If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report! They are extremely helpful to us in the early season when snowpack information is limited.

As winds pick up Friday afternoon, 20-30 cm of fresh snow will likely be loaded into lee terrain features. This recent snow may sit over a surface crust on south aspects and low elevations.

80 to 100 cm of snow can be found in the alpine, with wind-loaded areas up to 150 cm. Many lower elevation areas remain below threshold for avalanches.

Thursday night

Isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm new snow. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 700m.

Friday

5-10 cm new snow. Moderate southerly ridgetop wind increasing to 60 km/h in the afternoon. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 500m.

Saturday

15-25 cm new snow. Ridgetop winds 60-80 km/h from the south peaking in the morning. Alpine temperature high of 0. Freezing level rising to 1100 m.

Sunday

Clearing. Calm. Alpine temperature high of -1. Freezing level around 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.