Avalanche Forecast

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

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!

In the dry snow zone (say 2000 m and above): Recent snow is settling in most areas with new wind slabs behind ridges, ribs, and breaks in the terrain.

Transition Zone: Below around 1600 m the snowpack is wet from last week's rain. From around 1600 to 2000 m is the rain-snow transition zone where melt-freeze crusts continue to build and strengthen the snowpack.

Deep Layers: 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, this winter the snowpack is shallow (and therefore weaker).

Wednesday Night: Dry. Clearing. Freezing level falling to valley bottom. Alpine temps cooling to around -10 C. Light westerly wind.

Thursday: Dry. Mostly sunny. Alpine temps warming to around -5 C. Light westerly wind.

Dry. Mix sun and clouds. Alpine temps steady around -5 C. Light southwest wind, moderate westerly near the peaks.

Incoming storm forecast to bring 5 to 15 mm of precipitation (5 to 15 cm of snow?). Moderate to strong southerly wind. Alpine temperatures near -5. Freezing level around 100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
• Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.