Significant amounts of new snow have recently accumulated. A potential weak layer deeper in the snowpack could produce large avalanches if triggered.
A crust/facet layer formed in mid-November exists deep in the snowpack. This layer may remain reactive at higher elevations, where an overlying, supportive crust is absent or weaker compared to lower elevations.
Recent snow and wind have created reactive slabs on the surface, particularly at higher elevations. It remains to be seen if a thin crust beneath the new snow will create touchier conditions than expected.
No new avalanches were reported in the region since Monday.
In the adjacent Sea to Sky, ski cut and explosives-controlled slab and loose dry results to size 1.5 have occurred on the most recently buried crust.
On Monday, several large (size 2.5 to 3) natural avalanches occurred along the Duffey corridor. These all failed on the mid-November crust and facet layer.
Approximately 30 to 50 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated, accompanied by strong alpine winds.
This new snow has buried a thin melt-freeze crust in most areas, with wet, dense snow sitting below.
A deeper crust with associated facets, formed in mid-November, exists 50 to 150 cm below the surface and has been responsible for recent large avalanche activity.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 8 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
