Avalanche hazards are primarily found at higher elevations. Near treeline elevations the snowpack is freezing into a crust and at low elevations there isn't enough snow to avalanche.
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. Lingering wind slabs near Whistler may remain reactive; watch lee slopes with deeper, more cohesive pillow of snow.
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).
On Saturday there was a widespread natural avalanche cycle in the storm snow up to size 2.5. Additionally, there were natural loose wet avalanches reported from the 1700 to 2000 m elevation band. Cornice chucks were failing (size 2) but not triggering slopes below.
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 1700 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.
Monday Night: Trace to 5 cm of new snow near treeline. Freezing level around 1000 m with treeline temps -2 to -5 C. Light southwest wind.
Tuesday: Trace to 5 cm of new snow near treeline. Freezing level around 1000 m with treeline temps -2 to -5 C. Southwest wind increasing to moderate through the afternoon. Overcast.
WednesdaySnow arrives again overnight and during the day with 10 to 25 mm of water equivalency forecast. (Whistler getting the 10ish, Squamish getting the 25ish.) Freezing level remains steady around 1000m but snow level closer to 700 m. Moderate to strong south to southwest wind.
ThursdayCooler with freezing level falling to near 500 m and treeline temperatures dipping to near -10 C. Mostly sunny. Moderate northwest wind at ridges and peaks.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
