Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 28th, 2025 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
Riding conditions will be best once the surface crust has softened on sun-affected slopes.
Remain cautious around cornices and on sunny slopes during the warmest parts of the day.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A few cornices up to size 1.5 were triggered with explosives near Whistler on Monday and Tuesday. Several naturally-triggered cornices and loose wet avalanches were also reported. They were small to large (size 1.5 to 2) and initiated on steep sun-affected alpine slopes. We expect this activity to continue while temperatures remain warm and there is strong sunshine.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
Strong sunshine and warm temperatures have formed a crust on most surfaces, except on north-facing alpine slopes where the snow may remain loose and dry. Small pockets of wind slab could still linger in those cooler high alpine zones. With daytime warming, the crust will likely soften and melt, improving riding conditions that have been reported as challenging in some areas. However, loose wet avalanches and cornice failures may also become possible during this time. The mid and lower snowpack is dense, well-settled, and currently shows nothing concerning.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing levels 3300 m falling to 2100 m.
Wednesday
Sunny. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -2 °C. Freezing levels 600 m rising to 1200 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -6 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 15 to 35 cm of snow. 50 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 700 m rising to 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
Problems
Loose Wet
Watch for surface snow becoming wet and heavy as warm temperatures and sun break down the crust. Loose wet avalanches are most likely to initiate on steep slopes, near rock outcrops.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 29th, 2025 4:00PM
