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