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The current avalanche conditions are unusual for the coast. The skiable lines that have finally filled in are often where the avalanche hazard is at its worst. Ongoing snowfall combined with strong winds has loaded a variable series of hard and soft slabs over the weak lower snow pack. The underlying weaknesses are becoming very reactive and sometimes failing with light loads. Avalanches are being remotely triggered from a distance and some lower angle areas are settling or "whumphing" repeatedly. In some cases these slopes are reacting after being tested with explosives. Travel with caution ? avalanches are not the only lurking hazards!
Explosive testing and ski cutting carried out over the past few days have produced numerous slabs up to two meters in depth. They have been failing in the storm snow and in the facets above the December 6th crust. Many settlement whumphs were felt as well. Some avalanches running from small treeline elevation start zones channelled into ground features while entraining numerous boulders. The resulting debris piles were nasty.
The upper snowpack is upside down - areas of very hard windslab alternate with deep soft slabs. Shallow areas have very thin surface weaknesses over depth hoar crystals. The buried facets and depth hoar above and below the December 6 crust are weak layers and very likely the cause of the settlement whumphs. This crust may be now buried up to 200 cm below the surface. Not all start zones are running on the crust, but you can expect more activity as the load above it grows. Rocky terrain is very rotten and will be particularly prone to deeper releases in the future. Below treeline terrain has a weak layer on the ground. This terrain is getting filled in and will likely begin to produce more avalanching with the forecast storms this week.
Periods of light snow are forecast for the next few days. A stronger system is expected to come through the area on Wednesday. Temperatures will begin to warm late Tuesday.
Travel with a partner and be equipped and prepared for self-rescue. Watch out for winch-cats or snowmobile traffic if you re-enter the area after operating hours. Whistler Snow Safety
Every backcountry user should be well prepared and travel with experienced backcountry users. Each member should carry an avalanche transceiver on the 457 KHz frequency and carry equipment for self-rescue.
Our avalanche advisory is updated regularly during the winter season from November through to June. Our hours of operation page has opening and closing dates and times for our winter season. Whistler Mountain's avalanche forecasters post bulletins updating the status and stability of the snow in the backcountry based on snow surveys taken from both within and outside the ski area boundaries.
Be aware that conditions may change and sometimes vary from one slope to the next.
