Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Numerous natural and human-triggered small wet loose avalanches were reported across the region over the past few days. Small, size 1 storm slabs were also ski cut near Whistler on Sunday at upper elevations.

15 to 35 cm is forecast to fall above 1300 m overnight and through Tuesday, however freezing levels are uncertain and it's possible it will rain higher. The new snow will form storm slabs overlying either moist snow or a crust everywhere except north-facing slopes in the alpine, where they will overlie a mix of dry snow and surface hoar. The storm slabs are expected to be most reactive during their formation, and in wind-loaded terrain at upper elevations. Old persistent weak layers may still exist 1 to 3 m deep on high north-facing slopes. Triggering these layers is considered unlikely at this time. The snowpack thins quickly at lower elevations.

Monday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow above 1300 m, possible rain below. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m, dropping to 1100 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm snow above 1100 m, possible rain below. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0 to 5 cm snow above 1400 m, possible rain below. 20 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow above 1700 m, possible rain below. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for rapidly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.