Rain continues to fall as freezing levels rise to mountain tops, creating dangerous avalanche conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday and Sunday, numerous size 1.5 to 2 natural wet slab avalanches occurred at treeline and below treeline in the Whistler area. Additionally, in the same area in the alpine, two size 1.5 storm slab avalanches were remote triggered in the alpine by nearby explosive avalanche control.
On Friday, several size 1 to 2 skier triggered wind slab avalanches occurred in the Whistler area.
Snowpack Summary
20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow is becoming wet and settling rapidly with warming temperatures and heavy rain. This snow overlies a thick crust on all aspects and at all elevations.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of various old crusts and is generally well-settled and well-bonded.
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Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with 20 to 40 mm of rain. South alpine wind, 40 to 60 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 10 to 50 mm of rain during the day, up to an additional 40 mm overnight. South alpine wind, 40 to 70 km/h. Freezing level 2500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with no new precipitation. Southeast alpine wind, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1700 m to 2200 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy, up to 12 mm of rain, snow at higher elevations. Southeast alpine wind, 30 to 60 km/h. Freezing level 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will be likely in steep terrain and where the snow surface is wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wet Slabs
The recent storm snow will become wet and heavy as the temperatures rise and rain falls. The underlying crust will likely act as a sliding surface for the wet snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Fragile cornices could be further weakened by warm temperatures. Limit your overhead hazard during periods of rain and warming.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 29th, 2024 4:00PM
