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Mountain Conditions and Weather Report
Whistler Mountain
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Date: 2026-02-22 | Time: 2341
Location: Whistler_Blackcomb
Avalanche Observations and Summary:
• A Size 2 avalanche was triggered by explosives at Whistler; multiple Size 1.5 storm slabs were similarly triggered by explosives at Blackcomb.
• A minor skier-triggered slab exhibited slight movement without injury.
Snowpack Description:
Recent 10-50 cm of low-density snow with 1F-4F wind slabs is widespread on lee alpine and exposed terrain, shaped by strong southerly winds. The midpack is generally well settled with some wind-affected crusts. Basal layers include multiple melt-freeze crusts from early February and late January, overlain by faceted snow 40-100 cm deep.
Previous Avalanche Hazard Assessment and Stability:
Alpine: Considerable to High
TL: Considerable
BTL: Moderate to Considerable
Signs of Instability: Cracking on south and west aspects near ridges; minor slab movement observed. No natural avalanche or whumphing reported.
Current Avalanche Problems:
Problem 1: Storm Slab
• Typical Depth Range: 10-80 cm (varies by report)
• Typical Size: 1 to 2 (mostly around 1.5-2)
• Sensitivity: Mostly Reactive, one report Stubborn
• Distribution: Both Specific and Widespread, with several reports of Widespread
• Summary: Most frequent problem, moderate to deep slabs, reactive sensitivity mostly, variable distribution
Problem 2: Wind Slab
• Typical Depth Range: 20-90 cm
• Typical Size: 1 to 2
• Sensitivity: Reactive
• Distribution: Mostly Specific
• Summary: Second most frequent slab type, generally reactive, mostly in specific areas
Problem 3: Dry Loose
• Typical Depth Range: 15-30 cm
• Typical Size: 1
• Sensitivity: Reactive
• Distribution: Widespread
• Summary: Observed as a reactive loose snow problem at all elevations and aspects
Previous Reports:
Previous day operations noted conservative terrain management; operators avoided complex slopes due to active storm slabs and weak layers, with minimal alpine observations reported.
Key Actions and Safety Considerations:
• Monitor and avoid steep, wind-influenced slopes (especially S and W aspects).
• Apply a “Stepping Back” mindset in suspect terrain.
• Focus on sheltered areas and continuously reassess weak layer activity.
Closing Summary:
Exercise caution on exposed slopes; prioritize terrain with minimal slab development and stable snowpack. Seek sheltered, less complex zones and monitor crack activity and evolving conditions closely.
Location: Whistler_Blackcomb
Avalanche Observations and Summary:
• A Size 2 avalanche was triggered by explosives at Whistler; multiple Size 1.5 storm slabs were similarly triggered by explosives at Blackcomb.
• A minor skier-triggered slab exhibited slight movement without injury.
Snowpack Description:
Recent 10-50 cm of low-density snow with 1F-4F wind slabs is widespread on lee alpine and exposed terrain, shaped by strong southerly winds. The midpack is generally well settled with some wind-affected crusts. Basal layers include multiple melt-freeze crusts from early February and late January, overlain by faceted snow 40-100 cm deep.
Previous Avalanche Hazard Assessment and Stability:
Alpine: Considerable to High
TL: Considerable
BTL: Moderate to Considerable
Signs of Instability: Cracking on south and west aspects near ridges; minor slab movement observed. No natural avalanche or whumphing reported.
Current Avalanche Problems:
Problem 1: Storm Slab
• Typical Depth Range: 10-80 cm (varies by report)
• Typical Size: 1 to 2 (mostly around 1.5-2)
• Sensitivity: Mostly Reactive, one report Stubborn
• Distribution: Both Specific and Widespread, with several reports of Widespread
• Summary: Most frequent problem, moderate to deep slabs, reactive sensitivity mostly, variable distribution
Problem 2: Wind Slab
• Typical Depth Range: 20-90 cm
• Typical Size: 1 to 2
• Sensitivity: Reactive
• Distribution: Mostly Specific
• Summary: Second most frequent slab type, generally reactive, mostly in specific areas
Problem 3: Dry Loose
• Typical Depth Range: 15-30 cm
• Typical Size: 1
• Sensitivity: Reactive
• Distribution: Widespread
• Summary: Observed as a reactive loose snow problem at all elevations and aspects
Previous Reports:
Previous day operations noted conservative terrain management; operators avoided complex slopes due to active storm slabs and weak layers, with minimal alpine observations reported.
Key Actions and Safety Considerations:
• Monitor and avoid steep, wind-influenced slopes (especially S and W aspects).
• Apply a “Stepping Back” mindset in suspect terrain.
• Focus on sheltered areas and continuously reassess weak layer activity.
Closing Summary:
Exercise caution on exposed slopes; prioritize terrain with minimal slab development and stable snowpack. Seek sheltered, less complex zones and monitor crack activity and evolving conditions closely.
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