With freezing levels anticipated to rise to over 2000m, watch for snow becoming wet, heavy, and more reactive on the crust below.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
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 has been redistributed into wind slabs by southerly winds. As this snow warms and sees rain for the first time, it will likely settle rapidly. This snow overlies a thick crust on all aspects and at all elevations. At lower elevations, moist snow is likely found.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of various old crusts and is generally well-settled and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy with 10 to 15 mm of mixed precipitation. South alpine wind, 20 to 50 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 mm of rain during the day, with an additional 15 to 30 mm overnight. South alpine wind, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2400 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 mm of rain expected during the day, with an additional 20 mm overnight. South alpine wind, 30 to 50 km/h. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 10 to 20 mm of rain. South alpine wind, 50 to 70 km/h. Freezing level 2500 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
Wet loose avalanches will be likely in steep terrain and where the snow surface is wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Cornices
Fragile cornices could be further weakened by warm temperatures in the coming days. Limit your overhead hazard during periods of rain and warming.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 27th, 2024 4:00PM
