Backcountry Avalanche Advisory

Please note that Backcountry refers to any areas outside the Ski Area Boundary

 

Last Updated: Friday, February 03, 2012 8:29 AM

  Fri Sat Sun
Alpine Moderate Moderate Moderate
Treeline Moderate Moderate Moderate
Below Treeline Low Low Low
Avalanche Danger Rating Descriptions

Travel Advisory:

We received a total of 22cm of light density snow out of the past storm. Mountain top winds were from a southerly direction at 40 gusting to 60kph. Conditions are quite variable and you may find that the strong winds and previous warm snow have enhanced the formation of new features. Cornice tabs have grown so stay well back from the edges.

Avalanche Activity:

Avalanche control earlier in the week produced size 1-1.5 soft slabs from 10-20cm in depth involving only the most recent storm snow. During the past few days some solar affected surface instabilitys were observed on south and southwest aspects. With the forecasted sunny and mild weather we can expect to see more of the same. Bear in mind that in some isolated areas, a surface slab in motion may have the potential to step down deeper within the underlying storm snow layers.

Snowpack:

Conditions in the alpine and treeline terrain are extremely variable due to the strong winds that accompanied the snowfall earlier this week. Below the most recent storm snow layers you will find hard windpressed snow that is supportive, areas that remain scoured down to the Jan 5th crust, and other areas that retained lower density surface layers. Shallow rocky terrain is weak and facetted, and has the potential to produce deeper slab releases in some isolated areas once a surface slab is in motion. We have seen no recent activity on the deeper weaknesses in the snowpack, but they remain a lurking concern with any new loading.

Weather:

Mainly sunny skies and temperature inversions are expected to prevail until at least Monday.

 

Watch out for winch-cats or snowmobile traffic if you re-enter the area after operating hours. Whistler Mountain Snow Safety

 

Canadian Avalanche CenterPlease click the logo to view the Canadian Avalanche Center Bulletins

 

What you should know...

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.

 

 

INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESS TO GARIBALDI PARK VIA WHISTLER MOUNTAIN TENURE

Please note that access to Garibaldi Park via the Symphony Chair road will no longer be available during times when avalanche closures are in place at the bottom of Harmony Chair. The Singing Pass Trail will be the alternate access. Backcountry access tickets will only be sold if the avalanche signs are open or if there is a strong likelihood that they will be opened after avalanche control is conducted. There may be times when the avalanche closures remain in place all day. Whistler Blackcomb has unfortunately been forced to adopt this policy due to the increasing numbers of guests who are using the park access route to enter into closed avalanche terrain that is within the ski area boundary.