Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Wet loose avalanches may become a problem on steep slopes, where the surface is found wet.
The continued mild temperature has consolidated the early-season snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wet loose avalanches (size 1.5 to 2) were naturally triggered by the sun on steep sun-exposed terrain at treeline and alpine near Whistler in the last two days.
Warming signs of instability such as tree bombs and pinwheels were observed throughout the region this past weekend.
If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network (MIN) report.
Snowpack Summary
A melt-freeze crust has likely formed at the snow surface due to overnight cooling. Rising temperature will start to melt the snow surface, as the day progresses, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes.
Alpine slopes are wind-affected, scoured, or hold a thin surface crust. In sheltered terrain at treeline, large weak surface hoar crystals may still be persisting under 15 cm of moist snow.
Snow depths vary from 100 to 140 cm at treeline and decrease rapidly below 1500 m, exposing early-season hazards.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2500. Alpine temperature inversion.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 3000 m. Alpine temperature inversion.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Friday
Cloudy with heavy precipitation either rain or snow. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches remain possible as mild air temperature continues. It could become a problem on steep slopes where wet or moist snow can be found.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2024 4:00PM
