It’s been an unusual start to ski season on the west coast. With a snowpack far below normal levels, and significant temperature inversions the past few days, conditions are less than ideal. Yesterday (Jan 6) the freezing level rose to 2700m (500m higher than any ski-able terrain on Whistler or Blackcomb).
Whistler received 27cms of snow last week, just enough to cover the vast array of hidden obstacles out there. “Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface in many areas. In glaciated terrain open and poorly bridged crevasses are everywhere.” - See more at: http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bu.....1A9nT.dpuf
In December of this year, Whistler received a total of 74cm/29in (vs last Dec, it snowed 343cm/135in). There is still dirt under the trees mid mountain, and the creeks were all running on the lower mountain this weekend.
On the Duffy Lake Road, conditions were a little better last week, but travel anywhere below treeline is not too fun (see below).
It’s definitely a good time to play it safe and be patient. Winter will show up eventually, hopefully without too many injuries before it does. If you are visiting or skiing in the Sea to Sky this week, use extra caution and treat the terrain as if it was still early in the season. Use the link above to find the latest avalanche conditions.
