Regional Summaries

Junuary on the coast has ended. Some intense the past couple of days has resulted in isothermal snow conditions in the alpine, poor freezes, and a slab avalanche cycle within recent (last week) and old snow layers up to Size 3. Several guides have turned around on common objectives in the Sea to Sky corridor for this reason along with the threat of falling cornices.

Many alpine rock objectives have now come into shape, with good conditions being reported in areas such as the Tantalus Range.

The weather on the coast has been unsettled since last weekend, with 30-40cm of new snow accumulated in the alpine on Blackcomb Mountain. The new snow was wet and sluffing today, as you would expect this time of year. No slab avalanche activity has been reported, although it is possible with that much new snow. The new snow fell as rain below treeline, which has helped to melt away last winters snow lingering on the trails.

Conditions are currently suitable for both alpine climbing and skiing in the Coast Mountains, although you have to do your research and pick your objectives carefully to find out where the snow still remains. You can still expect to run into significant snow patches as low as 1300m (depending on aspect, tree cover and sun exposure), then continuous snow before you reach the alpine.

No really dramatic changes reported over the past week but the snowline continues to rise as do the rivers and the tick populations.

Forecast looks like a nice warm sunny weekend for the whole region. Still some corn snow skiing to be had but some walking will probably be required except along the Icefields parkway and some spots at Rogers Pass. Clear nights, early starts and careful terrain inspection and selection will be the key to getting some good safe turns in. In some ways unconsolidated moist snow at low elevations could be the biggest ski injury hazard.