Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Wednesday: moderate snowfall on tuesday night continuing through wednesday morning easing in the afternoon / moderate southwest winds turning light and northwest / freezing level at 900m Thursday: mostly clear / moderate southwest winds / freezing level at about 900m increasing in the afternoon Friday: clear skies with a significant warming trend / light to moderate southwest winds

Numerous size 1 soft windslab avalanches were observed in the Whistler area on Tuesday. Expect continued avalanche activity with forecast snowfall and the trailing warming trend expected for late thursday/friday.

Storm slabs that developed on the weekend have gained significant strength, as have the heavy storm snow accumulations from last week. Subsequent surface conditions are variable to say the least due to fluctuating freezing levels and strong winds during those systems.The big story is the snow forecast for Tuesday night. Moderate accumulations and moderate southwest winds will make for new windslabs and continued storm slab development. Cornices should also be on your radar as strong southwest winds and steady snowfall have contributed to impressive development.About a metre down there are a variety of older snow surfaces that formed throughout January. These surfaces include facets, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have also gained considerable strength, but triggering may be possible with a heavy load in isolated terrain.Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.