Brandywine

The sun may be out but dangerous avalanche conditions persist.

Continue to stay in conservative terrain and be aware of overhead hazards.

Numerous avalanches of all trigger types continue to be reported. Slabs have been failing up to a meter deep.

Notably on Tuesday, one avalanche resulted in a person being fully buried for a lengthy time (check this MIN for details) and another was a near-miss for a snowmobiler. (See photo below)A very large (size 3) naturally-triggered cornice was also observed near Whistler. The cornice triggered a subsequent slab below. (Photo below)

50 to 80 cm of snow has accumulated over the last storm cycle. The accumulated storm snow is sitting on a weak layer that developed in late January. In most areas, this layer consists of a hard slippery crust. However, on shady, upper-elevation slopes, the new snow may be resting on faceted grains or surface hoar. Wind-affected snow and wind slabs can be found on various aspects at upper elevations.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. 25 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
• Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.