Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Arctic air continues to dominate the region as it continues it's journey south.Saturday: Temperatures will continue to drop on Sat. to a forecast low of -4 in Squamish and -13 in Whistler. Alpine temps in the -18 to -20 range. Sunday: Outflow winds are forecast to intensify on Sunday then drop off on Monday and Tuesday.No significant precipitation in the near forecast, but a frontal system in the Pacific is forecast to arrive on the coast by late Wednesday or early Thursday. Timing is uncertain at this time.

No recent reports of natural or skier/rider triggered avalanches, however, treat all wind loaded pockets with caution.

Snow depths are highly variable throughout the region with reports of up to 150cm of snow at some tree line elevations. Terrain below tree line is mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.The snow that fell during the last storm will slowly bond to old surfaces, but this bonding is taking place at a slower than normal rate due to the cold temperatures. Much of the last storm snow has been redistributed by strong northerly winds at upper elevations. Wind slabs are a cause for concern on south-facing terrain. Surface and shallow snowpack facetting is taking place in some higher locations. Many alpine ridge tops have been scoured by the NE winds.There are crusts buried deeper in the snowpack with facets at higher elevations. Worth looking for it if you are digging a pit.