Snowpack Summary
We are dealing with a complex and somewhat unusual snowpack for the South Coast. Around Whistler there are several different persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack including a layer of depth hoar right near the base of the snowpack and at least two distinct crust/facet combinations between 50-100cm above the ground. Recent storms have dumped up to 200cm of snow on top of the weak underlying snowpack. This new load resulted in many large avalanches during the storm and several large to very large human or explosive triggered avalanches shortly after the storm. Keep in mind that rain followed by cooler temperatures have helped to stabilize the snowpack at and below treeline. The greatest concern is with slopes above 1900m that have not recently avalanched. This is not the classic coastal instability where you can charge hard a few days after the storm. Be patient and realize that a large avalanche may become more difficult to trigger over time, but the consequences of a deep release could be devastating.
A rather large size 4 out of Corona on Nov 28, 2011
Phalanx Nov 28, 2011
Please read the advisories before heading out.
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/advisory/index.htm
http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest/sea-to-sky
Some good info on local conditions
http://www.wayneflannavalancheblog.com/
Thanks for the video Ryan
