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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 11th, 2023–Mar 12th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Expect to find reactive wind slabs in the alpine and at elevations that reach all the way to below the treeline.

Sheltered terrain will offer the best riding.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several skier-triggered size 1 wind slab avalanches were reported on west and southwest aspects in the alpine and at treeline near Whistler over the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Small amounts of snow have slowly been accumulating since Friday night. This new snow is covering up a new crust that exists on solar aspects as well as on all aspects below treeline. Ongoing southerly winds have formed wind slabs near ridge crests at treeline and above. Large cornices have formed from these winds. Up to 20 cm of soft snow can still be found on sheltered northerly aspects.

A couple of crusts with facets sitting above them can be found at treeline and above down 60 to 180 cm.

The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy with some clear periods, 5 cm accumulation, winds south 20 km/h gusting to 40, treeline temperatures around - 7 °C with freezing levels to 1000 m.

Sunday

Cloudy, 5 to 10 cm accumulation, winds southwest 25 to 30 km/h gusting to 50, treeline temperatures between -5 to -10 °C with freezing levels to 1200 m.

Monday

Cloudy, up to 20 cm accumulation focused more to the south and starting in the early morning, winds southwest 25 to 30 km/h gusting to 65, treeline temperatures -5 to 0 °C with freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with sunny periods, 5 cm accumulation, winds south southwest 20 km.h, treeline temperatures -10 to -5 °C with freezing levels to 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Southerly winds continue to form wind slabs near ridge crests on lee features at treeline and above.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2