Backcountry enthusiasts on Vancouver Island are being asked to avoid mountainous terrain for the time being.
More than 100 cm of snow across most of the island’s mountains has prompted a high avalanche danger warning from Avalanche Canada.
Under a high rating, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended, natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered slides are very likely.
“Over the past three days, over 100 cm of new snow has fallen on a widespread layer of surface hoar ranging from 30 mm below treeline to 5 mm in the alpine,” Avalanche Canada said in a release.
People who do choose to use the terrain should back off if they hear hollow sounds or shooting cracks and have an exit plan from the backcountry.
Avalanche risk will remain high in the alpine and at the treeline until Tuesday and is expected to drop to considerable on Wednesday.
Danger below the treeline is expected to drop to considerable on Tuesday and moderate on Wednesday.
