The Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin tracks the slide risk on several mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park as well as peaks to the north. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

loose snow

Avalanche threat rises on Vancouver Island

Dec 30, 2020 | 10:02 AM

COURTENAY — Heavy snowfall in the mountains coupled with strong winds increased the avalanche threat on Vancouver Island.

A Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin (VIAB) statement showed the alpine’s slide threat would be elevated to high on Wednesday, Dec. 30. The avalanche risk above or below the tree-line is also being bumped up to considerable.

VIAB forecaster Ryan Shelly said a winter storm into Wednesday will lead to more dangerous conditions in the backcountry.

“You’re looking at large size two, three avalanches that absolutely have the capacity to fully bury and ultimately potentially kill someone…It’s pretty dynamic weather in terms of a great deal of new snow and high winds.

Upwards of 50 millimeters in precipitation and more than 70 kilometer-per-hour winds are expected into Wednesday, Shelly said.

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He noted humans are the likely causes in triggering avalanches.

People are advised by the VIAB to avoid terrain where ratings of high and considerable are in place.

The non-profit agency provides updated conditions for several Vancouver Island mountains from Strathcona Provincial Park northward to the Port McNeill area.

Many of the province’s highest peaks have a considerable avalanche risk in place, according to Avalanche Canada, which lists coastal mainland mounties at a high slide risk.

The bodies of two male snow bikers were recovered in the Pemberton area Tuesday after getting caught in an avalanche.

— With files from 97.3 FM The Eagle

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