The storm continues! Conditions are improving but don't let your guard down just yet.
Weather Forecast
It just gets better and better for the south coast. THURSDAY: 10-15cm new snow, moderate south winds, freezing level at 1000m. FRIDAY: clear, moderate easterly winds, freezing level at 1000m. SATURDAY: another 15-20cm, strong south winds, freezing level at 1000m.
Avalanche Summary
There have been reports of a widespread avalanche activity from the Whistler area that is likely indicative of what is going on in the rest of the Sea to Sky region.
Snowpack Summary
As much as 100cm of new snow have fallen at upper elevations since the weekend. At lower elevations heavy rain on Tuesday probably formed a new crust that is now buried as deep as 30cm. Strong southwesterly winds have loaded lee features at ridgetop. Below tree-line snow depths are probably still below threshold for avalanches although I expect we'll be crossing that line soon.
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.