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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2025–Jan 12th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Sky Pilot, Spearhead, Tantalus.

Stay off wind-loaded slopes and be mindful of overhead hazard, especially during periods of strong sun.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Friday near Whistler, natural and human-triggered storm slabs were reported from all elevations and aspects up to size 1.5. A size 2 natural was observed on a south-facing aspect in the alpine on Rainbow Mountain, likely triggered by strong solar radiation.

Wind slabs at upper elevations will be the main concern on Sunday. Be especially cautious during periods of strong sun.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of new snow arrived Friday night. Shifting winds have redistributed this snow into wind slabs on various aspects in exposed areas.

This new snow overlies a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.

An otherwise right-side-up snowpack appears to be bonding well to a crust buried 70 to 100 cm deep. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded with no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly clear with lingering valley cloud. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Clear. 30 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds have created slabs on a variety of aspects in wind-loaded terrain.

Strong sun may increase the reactivity of wind slabs on steep, sun-affected slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2