Sea To Sky

Terrain sheltered from the wind should hold the best riding and the lowest avalanche danger.

Snowfall amounts vary, if you are seeing 35 cm or more of fresh, increase danger by one step.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to the track and intensity of the incoming weather system.
• The snowpack structure is well understood.

On Tuesday around Whistler, a few large (size 2-2.5) natural cornice falls were again reported in the alpine.

On Monday around Whistler, a few large (size 2-2.5) natural cornice falls were reported in the alpine.

Also, numerous small, dry and wet loose avalanches were reported on steep slopes. These were either triggered by the sun, or purposely triggered by humans.

up to 20 cm of new snow has accumulated at treeline and above. Moderate South or Southeast winds will make deeper, denser deposits in leeward terrain.

This falls on generally wind-affected snow in much of the alpine and open treeline, breakable crust on steep slopes that usually face the sun, and dry, loose snow in sheltered, shaded areas.

60 to 90 cm of mostly settled snow overlies the thick and hard mid-March crust below about 2200 m, and old wind-affected snow above 2200 m. Around Whistler, some facets have been reported around this crust.

Many operators are commenting on how large the cornices have formed this year.

The snowpack below the mid-March crust is wet but well settled and strong.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.