Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada kbakker, Avalanche Canada

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Freezing levels are anticipated to rise to over 2500 m along with heavy rainfall.

Watch for snow becoming wet, heavy, and more reactive on the crust below.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, several size 1 to 2 skier triggered wind slab avalanches occurred in the Whistler area.

On Thursday, multiple large (size 2) avalanches occurred, both naturally and from explosive control in the Whistler area.

On Wednesday a skier triggered a size 1 wind slab on a north facing roll in the alpine.

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.

 

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 30 to 60 mm of rain. South alpine wind, 30 to 50 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2200 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 2 to 8 mm of rain expected during the day, up to an additional 20 mm overnight. South alpine wind, 20 to 50 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, 50 to 80 km/h. Freezing level 2500 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with around 5 mm of rain. Southeast alpine wind, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level falling to 2000 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

An icon showing 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

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wet Slabs

An icon showing 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

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2024 4:00PM

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