Watch for changing conditions as storm and wind slabs may become increasingly reactive. The best and safest riding will be on wind protected slopes that are only moderately steep and have soft snow.
More snow is in the forecast, with most of it falling at high elevations in the south (e.g. near Squamish). Watch steep slopes with more than 25 cm of new snow, especially where it's more cohesive because of the wind.
On Monday size 1.5 explosive triggered storm slab avalanches were reported.
On Sunday only small avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported in areas near Whistler. These included both explosive triggered storm slabs and natural wind slabs (20 cm deep).
Thanks for the observations and please continue to post your reports and photos to the Mountain Information Network. It is really helpful for forecasters!
Recent snow is settling in most areas with new wind slabs at high elevations lee of ridges.
Above around 2000 m the last week's storm snow is settling. Below around 1600 m the snowpack is wet from all the rain. Between around 1700 and 2000 m is the rain-snow transition zone where melt-freeze crusts are forming.
In the dry snow zone (say 2000 m and above) strong winds formed wind slabs to the lee of ridges, ribs, and rolls.
The lower snowpack is still watched by professionals, the late December crust is down 60 to 120 cm. In the alpine, it is thin and breakable. Near the base of the snowpack, a weak facet/crust layer from mid-November can be found and remains a concern for triggering with large loads or on thin spots. In general, the snowpack is shallow.
Tuesday Night: Snow arrives again with 10 to 15 mm of water equivalency forecast. (Whistler area getting the 10, or less and Squamish area getting the 15, or more.) Freezing level remains steady around 1000m but snow level closer to 600 m and treeline temps around -5C. Moderate to strong south to southwest wind.
Wednesday: Snow continues with 10 to 20 mm of water equivalency forecast. Whistler area getting the 10 (or less) and Squamish area getting the 15 (or more). Freezing level remains steady around 1000m but snow level closer to 600 m and treeline temps around -5C. Strong south to southwest wind calming through the afternoon.
FridayDry. Mostly sunny. Cooler with freezing level falling to near 500 m and treeline temperatures dipping to near -10 C. Moderate northwest wind at ridges and peaks.
SaturdayDry. Mix of sun and clouds. Freezing level around 700 m and treeline temperatures near -7 C. Moderate northwest wind at ridges and peaks backing to light southwest.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
