The storm continues! Freezing levels are forecast to fall improving conditions but don't let your guard down just yet.
Weather Forecast
Heavy precipitation is forecast to continue but the exciting news is that freezing levels are forecast to drop. WEDNESDAY 10-30cm of snow, light to moderate southeast wind, freezing level falling to 1500m. THUSDAY 5-25cm of snow, light southerly wind, freezing level at 1000m. FRIDAY: 10-20cm of new snow, light to moderate southwesterly wind, freezing level at 1000m.
Avalanche Summary
There have been reports of a widespread natural avalanche activity from the Whistler area that is likely indicative of what is going on in the rest of the Sea to Sky region. This cycle is expected to continue as a series of storms pummels the coast range over the next couple of days.
Snowpack Summary
It's been snowing hard above 2200m where deep storm slabs are developing. At lower elevations heavy rain has saturated the snowpack. In addition, strong southwesterly winds have loaded snow well into lee features both in the alpine and at tree-line. Below tree-line snow depths are probably still below threshold for avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.