Alpine : Low
Treeline : Low
Below Treeline : Low
Travel Advisory : A thin layer of windslab can be found in most areas in the alpine. A hard melt-freeze crust can be found either just below the windslab or on the surface in exposed areas at all elevations. Occasional flurries over the next few days may build some thin surface instabilities, especially in alpine start zones near ridges.
Avalanche Activity : A melt-freeze cycle has tightened the upper snowpack. Low density new snow has been blown around the alpine start zones. Isolated size one slabs formed by recent light snowfalls have been resistant to the weight of a skier in the alpine. Cornices and large "mushrooms" on cliff features have been falling randomly over the past week as well.
Snowpack : We are well into a melt-freeze cycle with all aspects and elevations affected. There are windslabs in most alpine areas that are sitting over a widespread crust. The surface crust is hard in sun-exposed areas, while loose snow is sandwiched into it in sheltered terrain. For the time being facets are forming between the weaker crusts on lee aspects.
Weather : Relatively cool temperatures, light to moderate winds and occasional flurries or periods of snow are forecast through Friday. Thursday is likely to bring the most snowfall with up to five centimetres falling later in the day. Warmer temperatures and blue skies are expected by Saturday.
Updates available on www.whistlerblackcomb.com under weather and cams/avalanche advisory, or at 604-938-7676.
You can also get avalanche information from the Canadian Avalanche Center at www.avalanche.ca
