We are uncertain in the distribution of buried weak layers in the upper meter of the snowpack.
Dig down and look. Choose lower-consequence terrain in times of uncertainty.
Wind slabs are likely healing with recent warm temperatures, but could still be triggered in isolated areas with strong sun or large loads (like cornices).
Weak layers of surface hoar and facets/crust could exist in the top meter. These layers have been found recently near the Sea to Sky Gondola. The distribution seems spotty- dig down and look- large consequential avalanches are possible!
Sun and warm temperatures may melt the surface snow on steep sun affected slopes, creating the potential for wet loose sluffs. Use extra caution on sun-exposed slopes, if the snow surface is moist or wet.
On Friday, Several natural and one skier-triggered wind slab were observed in north-facing alpine terrain in Brandywine (Read full report here).
On Saturday, two size 2 natural wind slabs were observed from northeast alpine terrain in the Tantalus range. Explosive control near Whistler produced cornices up to size 2.5 that didn't pull slabs on the slope below.
Strong to extreme southwesterly winds have created widespread wind effect and built wind slabs on lee slopes.
A melt-freeze crust may be found on sunny slopes and at lower elevations. This surface crust will likely soften with sun and daytime warming.
40 to 70 cm of storm snow from the past week may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar, facets or a crust.
Another weak layer consisting of a crust with facets from early February is buried 80 to 100+ cm deep.
In general, these layers seem less reactive in the Whistler/Blackcomb backcountry compared to other areas.
The remaining snowpack appears to be well settled and bonded.
Sunday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
Monday
Sunny. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
