Alpine: MODERATE trending CONSIDERABLE
Treeline: MODERATE trending CONSIDERABLE
Below Treeline: LOW
Travel Advisory: Strong Southerly winds during the past 48 hours have formed areas of windslab on lee slopes. These windslabs have not been reactive to the weight of a skier over the past two days. The January raincrust remains exposed at ridgetops and many wind-exposed terrain features. Today's rain to 2,300 metres has made the top 5 cm moist, however this snow is currently reluctant to move. The avalanche hazard will increase over the next 24 hours as high freezing levels and moderate precipitation continue in our area. With the clearing expected tomorrow afternoon be aware of solar aspects with sun warming.
Avalanche Activity: Size 1 hard slabs were reactive to explosive testing two days ago. These slabs range from 5 to 20 cm. There was also evidence of mid-rain event Size 1 avalanches yesterday morning on steep Northerly slopes outside of the ski area (likely cornice failures).
Snowpack: The rain has saturated the top 5 cm of snow up to 2,300 metres. There is still evidence of a 2 cm raincrust from two days ago. This snow had bonded well to the old surface and the underlying layers are generally strong and well consolidated. Cornices have started to droop and have failed in the near backcountry.
Weather: Another round of precipitation and warm temperatures tonight, then clearing as a high pressure ridge builds in our area. Freezing levels stay high through the week.
Conditions may vary and can change rapidly. Check for the most current conditions before heading out into the backcountry. Daily updates for the areas adjacent to Whistler-Blackcomb are available at 604-938-7676, or at www.whistler-blackcomb.com/weather where there is also a link to the CAA public avalanche bulletin, or call 1-800-667-1105.
