Alpine conditions are uncertain, with recent snow and wind creating potential for slab avalanches. Lower elevations are more stable, as rain-soaked snow is refreezing.
The recent combination of heavy snowfall and extreme wind has likely left large wind slabs in the alpine, with some uncertainty about how easy they will be to trigger.
A widespread cycle of wet avalanches occurred Wednesday through Friday, producing both slab and loose avalanches up to size 3, along with cornice failures. Alpine observations were limited, so conditions above the snowline are uncertain.
With cooler temperatures over the weekend, wet avalanches are now unlikely, leaving lingering wind slabs in the alpine as the main concern.
Over the past few days, the Whistler area received over 100 mm of precipitation, with freezing levels fluctuating around 2000 m. Even higher totals fell south and west of Whistler.
With cooling temperatures this weekend, the snowpack at lower elevations will refreeze and generally be strong. At upper treeline and alpine elevations, conditions could be very different, with heavy deposits of wind-affected snow.
A crust layer from early March lies 50 to 80 cm deep. While some avalanches during the cycle stepped down to this layer, it is unlikely to trigger once the surface refreezes.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level dropping from 1400 to 700 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny with some afternoon cloud. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow by the morning. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
