Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Use good travel habits, and evaluate each slope on a case by case basis.
Look for signs of wind slab or wet loose instability before committing to large or steep terrain features.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday and Sunday in the Whistler area, daytime warming caused numerous naturally triggered wet loose avalanches in steep terrain. These avalanches were mostly small (size 1).
On Friday in the Whistler area, explosives avalanche control produced small (size 1 to 1.5) dry loose and storm slab avalanches. Through the day, solar warming caused numerous, small (size 1) wet loose avalanches.
Avoiding cornice exposure is also a good idea, as they are very large and looming at this time of year.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of dry snow covers moist snow in the alpine, and wet surfaces at treeline and below.
Underneath the recent snow, a mixed bag of old surfaces exists: crusts on solar aspects, wind effected snow in the high alpine, and moist or wet snow in most other places.
The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded, except for below treeline, where it is becoming isothermal in many places.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Weather Summary
If you are wondering why the freezing line and the snow line might be so different on some days, click here for more information:)
Sunday Night
Cloudy. 3 to 7 cm of snow expected. Snow/rain line between 700 m and 1000 m. Treeline low around -3°C. Moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind, becoming light by the morning.
Monday
Cloudy. Trace of snow/rain expected. Freezing level rising to 1600 m. Treeline high around -1°C. Light west or southwest ridgetop wind.
Tuesday
Low cloud, possibly sunny in the high alpine. No new snow/rain expected. Freezing level rising to 1800 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind, trending to moderate northwest at high elevations.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light rain expected. Freezing level rising to 2500 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind, trending to strong west at high elevations.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate snowfall continues, along with moderate to strong south through southwest wind in the alpine.
Use extra caution below ridgecrests and in cross-loaded features. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Reports of wet loose avalanches have continued through the recent stormy period. While the vast majority of these avalanches have been small (size 1), remember that wet loose avalanches are more dense, and harder to fight against. If you trigger a small avalanche in the wrong terrain, it can still have serious consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 24th, 2023 4:00PM
