Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day as another storm will affect the region.
Recent snowfalls are stacking up in localized areas, generating dangerous conditions.
Moderate to heavy snowfalls are stacking up above 1700 m. The likelihood of natural avalanches will increase as the storm progresses Saturday. Rider-triggerable avalanches will be likely, especially on lees of ridge lines and cross-loaded features.
Rain and above-freezing temperatures have weakened the snowpack at low elevations, which may remain weak until a solid crust forms. Watch for unstable snow on steep terrain, where loose avalanches are likely to get triggered.
Explosive controls and ski cuts produced several storm/wind slabs (size 1 to 1.5) Friday around Whistler. Thursday, pockets of hard wind slabs were triggered at treeline and above on lee slopes near ridgelines.
If you head out in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us on the Mountain Information Network!
20-25 cm of new snow was received Thursday night at elevations above 1700 m. Wet snow or crusty surface formed at lower elevations on all aspects due to high freezing levels. At upper elevations, shady wind-sheltered areas may still hold dry, low-density snow. Strong winds distributed the recent snow into pockets of wind slabs near ridge tops. This new snow overlies on a variety of surfaces, including melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-affected snow on open slopes and leeward features.
The middle of the snowpack is strong and bonded. At the bottom of the snowpack, a layer of weak facets remains present and continues to be monitored for signs of reactivity.
Wet, warm & windy conditions will continue to impact the region as two more storms will roll into the South Coast ranges over the weekend.
Friday night
Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level around 1400 m.
Saturday
Snow. Local amount 15-25 cm. Strong southerly wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine low -4 °C. Freezing level around 1200 m.
Sunday
Snow. Local amount 30-40 cm. Strong southerly wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine low -2°C. Freezing level around 1500 m.
Monday
Cloudy. Isolated flurries. Moderate southwest wind gusting 30 km/h. Alpine high -6 °C. Freezing level around 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
