There's no better time to chase your big spring objectives. Bring sharp tools, keep track of cornices in overhead terrain, and start and finish early to avoid isothermal conditions.
Large cornices still loom over many ridgelines and they won't hang on forever. Be aware of these overhead hazards and stay well back from overhanging cornices on ridgelines.
Slushy, isothermal snow conditions often emerge on directly sun-facing slopes during the heat of the day. Plan your route with this in mind to avoid getting surprised by difficult travel and rising wet loose avalanche danger.
Avalanche activity has quieted since the weekend warmup. Several more natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed in the Whistler area on Monday. This was focused on west aspects above 2000 m. Ski cutting produced several size 1.5 releases. A bit less of the same type of activity was reported Tuesday.
Numerous cornice falls and wind slab avalanches were reported along with more widespread, larger wet loose activity on the weekend.
Spring-like melt-freeze cycles now characterize a daily evolution of surface conditions on all but north-facing slopes above 2000 m, where 10 to 20 cm of windblown dry snow may still be found.
A crust/facet layer from late March sits 20 to 80 cm deep. It isn't presently a concern but perhaps gives large cornice falls from high north aspects a remote chance of triggering a slab.
A thick crust sits 80-100 cm deep. Near Whistler, some facets have been reported around this crust. The snowpack below is well settled and strong.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature 5 °C. Freezing level to 2400 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny, clouding over in the afternoon with light rain near end-of-day. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with scattered rain showers, 1 to 2 mm. 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
