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Mountain Conditions and Weather Report
Whistler Mountain
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Date: 2026-01-11 | Time: 2341
Location: Whistler_Blackcomb
Avalanche Observations and Summary:
• Whistler Mountain: Size 2.5 storm slab triggered by explosives. Crown failure observed just below convexity from Hanging Roll to Hanging Face with far-ranging debris in the bowl.
• Powder Mountain Catskiing: Two size 2 storm slabs observed (one at 1200 m and another at 1550 m) with natural triggers, associated with convexities below cliffs and steep, open below-treeline terrain.
Recent literature on Coast Mountains avalanches confirms that storm slabs in this region often exhibit varied failure modes and rapid propagation, consistent with these observations.
Snowpack Description:
The snowpack consists of 30-55 cm of recent new snow with wind slabs forming on exposed alpine slopes, overlain by moist surface snow to 1900m due to warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled. Persistent weak layers include crusts from Dec 16-17 and Jan 2-4 at 60-220 cm depth, facets above the Dec 16 crust around 40-60 cm, and some buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain. All PWLs should be closely monitored.
Previous Avalanche Hazard Assessment and Stability:
Alpine: Considerable (3-4)
TL: Moderate to Considerable (2-4)
BTL: Moderate to Considerable (2-3)
Signs of Instability: Cracking, Whoompfing, active ski cuts, and witnessed avalanche releases indicate evolving instability within the storm slab and weak layer framework.
Current Avalanche Problems:
Problem 1: Storm Slab
• Size: Mostly 1 to 2 (up to size 2 reported)
• Typical Depth: ~10-80 cm (common range 20-70 cm)
• Sensitivity: Mixed – mostly Stubborn to Reactive, some Unreactive
• Distribution: Mostly Widespread to Specific
Problem 2: Wet Loose
• Size: 1 to 2
• Typical Depth: ~10-60 cm
• Sensitivity: Mostly Reactive, some Stubborn
• Distribution: Mostly Widespread and Specific, with some Isolated
Problem 3: Wind Slab
• Size: 1.5 to 2
• Typical Depth: ~30-80 cm
• Sensitivity: Mainly Reactive
• Distribution: Mixed Specific and Widespread
Previous Reports:
Yesterday’s operations focused on conservative alpine travel with selected terrain; powder conditions were stable and observations consistent with moderate avalanche activity.
Key Actions and Safety Considerations:
• Avoid steep convexities near known cornice areas and terrain traps.
• Monitor PWL layers and be cautious of afternoon warming increasing wet loose and wind slab risks.
• Adjust terrain choices based on updated stability observations.
Closing Summary:
Plan travel conservatively in alpine and treeline zones. Prioritize stable, well-assessed areas and remain vigilant as warming forecasts may rapidly alter snowpack stability and avalanche risk.
Location: Whistler_Blackcomb
Avalanche Observations and Summary:
• Whistler Mountain: Size 2.5 storm slab triggered by explosives. Crown failure observed just below convexity from Hanging Roll to Hanging Face with far-ranging debris in the bowl.
• Powder Mountain Catskiing: Two size 2 storm slabs observed (one at 1200 m and another at 1550 m) with natural triggers, associated with convexities below cliffs and steep, open below-treeline terrain.
Recent literature on Coast Mountains avalanches confirms that storm slabs in this region often exhibit varied failure modes and rapid propagation, consistent with these observations.
Snowpack Description:
The snowpack consists of 30-55 cm of recent new snow with wind slabs forming on exposed alpine slopes, overlain by moist surface snow to 1900m due to warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled. Persistent weak layers include crusts from Dec 16-17 and Jan 2-4 at 60-220 cm depth, facets above the Dec 16 crust around 40-60 cm, and some buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain. All PWLs should be closely monitored.
Previous Avalanche Hazard Assessment and Stability:
Alpine: Considerable (3-4)
TL: Moderate to Considerable (2-4)
BTL: Moderate to Considerable (2-3)
Signs of Instability: Cracking, Whoompfing, active ski cuts, and witnessed avalanche releases indicate evolving instability within the storm slab and weak layer framework.
Current Avalanche Problems:
Problem 1: Storm Slab
• Size: Mostly 1 to 2 (up to size 2 reported)
• Typical Depth: ~10-80 cm (common range 20-70 cm)
• Sensitivity: Mixed – mostly Stubborn to Reactive, some Unreactive
• Distribution: Mostly Widespread to Specific
Problem 2: Wet Loose
• Size: 1 to 2
• Typical Depth: ~10-60 cm
• Sensitivity: Mostly Reactive, some Stubborn
• Distribution: Mostly Widespread and Specific, with some Isolated
Problem 3: Wind Slab
• Size: 1.5 to 2
• Typical Depth: ~30-80 cm
• Sensitivity: Mainly Reactive
• Distribution: Mixed Specific and Widespread
Previous Reports:
Yesterday’s operations focused on conservative alpine travel with selected terrain; powder conditions were stable and observations consistent with moderate avalanche activity.
Key Actions and Safety Considerations:
• Avoid steep convexities near known cornice areas and terrain traps.
• Monitor PWL layers and be cautious of afternoon warming increasing wet loose and wind slab risks.
• Adjust terrain choices based on updated stability observations.
Closing Summary:
Plan travel conservatively in alpine and treeline zones. Prioritize stable, well-assessed areas and remain vigilant as warming forecasts may rapidly alter snowpack stability and avalanche risk.
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