Avalanche Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries brining 15-25 cm of snow above 1300 m, 40-60 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around -3 C.

MONDAY: Unsettled weather with clouds and scattered flurries bringing another 5-15 cm of snow above 1000 m, 30-50 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures drop to -5 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with 5-10 cm of snow above 1000 m, 20 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -4 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow above 800 m, 20 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

Avalanche activity on Monday will be driven by the new snow.

A few slab avalanches were reported on Saturday including a small (size 1) human-triggered wind slab on a north aspect east of Whistler and a large (size 2.5) natural slab avalanche triggered by a cornice fall from the west side of Highway 99. There were also several small to large wet loose avalanches (size 1-2) on sun-exposed slopes. No reports from Sunday have been received at the time of publishing.

By Monday afternoon there will be 15 to 30 cm of new snow above 1000 m, likely forming some reactive slabs in steep wind-affected terrain. As temperatures cool, this snow will sit above a crust layer in most areas except for north-facing slopes above 2000 m where dry snow was reported prior to the storm. The lower snowpack should be strong under the current cool weather, but large looming cornices remain a concern this time of year.

• Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.