Mountain Conditions and Weather Report
Date: Jan 15, 2025
Time: 17:15
Location: STSG
Current Snow Conditions:
Snow conditions are poor for backcountry skiing in the STSG zone. At 1500 m, temperatures are sitting at 2°C with no new snow in the past 12 hours. Below this elevation, conditions are even warmer, reaching 6.2°C at 875 m. Recent precipitation has been absent, leaving the snowpack likely consolidated and potentially crusty on solar aspects or in exposed terrain. Snow coverage remains adequate at higher elevations but expect challenging snow quality with no fresh snow to improve conditions.
Temperature Trends:
Temperatures are unseasonably warm, with a normal lapse rate observed across elevations. The base of the gondola is at 6.2°C, cooling to 2°C at 1500 m. While freezing levels are above the typical January range, they are not expected to drop significantly in the next 24 hours.
Wind Overview:
Winds are light, clocking in at 5 km/h from the ENE with minimal gusting. This is unlikely to cause any wind effect on the snowpack or create wind slabs at higher elevations. Calm conditions should prevail.
General Forecast:
The next 24 hours are expected to remain dry, with no precipitation forecast at any elevation. Temperatures will likely remain above freezing up to 1500 m, further consolidating the snow and potentially forming melt-freeze crusts during overnight cooling.
Advice:
If you’re determined to head out, keep your expectations low. Without fresh snow, the skiing will likely be less than thrilling—think crusty, consolidated surfaces rather than dreamy powder. Explore north-facing slopes at higher elevations if you’re hoping for slightly better conditions, but don’t hold your breath. On the bright side, light winds and stable weather make it a safe day to scout terrain or practice skills. As always, check the Base Camp Forum for updates and consider hiring a Certified ACMG Ski Guide if venturing into more complex terrain.
Date: Jan 15, 2025
Time: 17:15
Location: Whistler Blackcomb
Current Snow Conditions:
The snowpack at mid-mountain (1650m) measures 166cm but has seen no new snow in the last 12 hours. Temperatures across most elevations are above freezing, with summit temperatures hovering near 0°C and mid-mountain recorded at 2.1°C. These warm conditions have likely created moist or heavy snow below 2000m, with potential crust development overnight if temperatures drop. The alpine (above 2000m) may still hold firmer snow, but no fresh powder is present. Skiers may encounter consolidated or wind-affected snow in exposed higher elevations due to moderate to strong winds.
Temperature Trends:
Temperatures exhibit a mixed profile, with irregular warming and cooling across elevations. Summit temperatures are near freezing (-0.1°C at 2284m) and rise to 4.7°C at lower elevations (1020m). These warm temperatures, even at higher elevations, are not conducive to maintaining dry snow quality.
Wind Overview:
Moderate to strong winds (38-49 km/h) prevail in the alpine, particularly around Whistler Peak. These winds are strong enough to cause wind scouring and redistribution of snow on exposed terrain, potentially creating variable snow conditions. Lower elevations are experiencing calmer conditions but remain warm.
General Forecast:
No new snow is expected in the next 24 hours. Temperatures will remain mild, with freezing levels hovering above 2000m. Winds are likely to persist in the moderate to strong range at higher elevations, further affecting snow quality in the alpine. A cooling trend may develop later, which could bring crust formation at lower elevations overnight.
Advice:
If you're keen to tour tomorrow, aim high—conditions are likely firmer and better preserved above 2000m. Be prepared for challenging snow quality, particularly below treeline, where warm temperatures may create sticky or crusty conditions. The wind will be a factor in the alpine, so plan for potential exposure and variable snow surfaces. Stay tuned to the Aurora Backcountry Pass Guide Announcements in the Base Camp Forum for updates, and consider hiring a Certified ACMG Ski Guide to help navigate these less-than-ideal conditions safely.
Date: Jan 15, 2025
Time: 17:15
Location: Duffey Lake Zone
Current Snow Conditions:
Snowpack depths range from 84cm at 1250m (Cayoosh) to 100cm at 1890m (Mid Blowdown). Only 1cm of new snow has fallen in the past 12 hours across both elevations, resulting in minimal fresh coverage. Snow quality is likely moist to wet at higher elevations due to above-freezing temperatures, with lower elevations holding slightly firmer snow thanks to sub-zero conditions earlier in the day. Overall, snow conditions are suboptimal with a shallow and consolidated base. Expect less precipitation and drier conditions towards Mid Blowdown.
Temperature Trends:
A pronounced temperature inversion is present, with Cayoosh sitting at -2.6°C (1250m) while Mid Blowdown registers 2.4°C (1890m). Over the past 12 hours, upper elevations experienced temperatures ranging from 0.8°C to 2.6°C, likely leading to wet snow or melting on the surface. Lower elevations saw cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -5.3°C, keeping the snow slightly firmer.
Wind Overview:
Winds have been calm across the zone, with Cayoosh reporting a median speed of 1km/h from the north. Minimal wind impact on snow quality and no significant wind loading is expected.
General Forecast:
No substantial snow accumulation is forecasted in the next 24 hours, with trace amounts possible above 2200m. Temperatures are expected to remain mild, especially at higher elevations, so further snowpack consolidation and surface melt are likely.
Advice:
If your idea of a good time is skiing on a snowpack thinner than a cheap yoga mat, today might be your day. With only 1cm of new snow, no significant precipitation in the forecast, and a temperature inversion reducing snow quality up high, it’s hard to recommend a trip unless you're just itching to get out. Be ready for wet snow up high and firm conditions lower down. Keep your expectations realistic and perhaps consider hiking instead of skiing. As always, keep an eye on the Aurora Backcountry Pass Guide Announcements in the Base Camp Forum for updates, and if you insist on skiing, hire a Certified ACMG Ski Guide to manage avalanche risks.
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