Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -7 C.

TUESDAY: Sunny in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, 20-40 km/h west wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 10-15 cm of new snow throughout the day, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

THURSDAY: Sunny, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -3 C.

Avalanche reports during Sunday's storm were limited to a few small (size 1) storm slab avalanches, primarily on wind affected slopes.

Recent snow is settling but may still be blown around in open terrain by westerly wind. Stormy weather since Thursday has delivered about 30 cm of snow to the Whistler area and closer to 50 cm further west and south. This snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. Observations suggest the snow has bonded well to these old interfaces. There are currently no concerning weak layers in the snowpack, although a spotty early season facet layer deep in the snowpack could return as a problem later in the season.

Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.