Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 23rd, 2023–Mar 24th, 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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Spearhead.

Watch for reactivity on freshly wind loaded slopes from overnight snowfall.

Navigate carefully around ridgelines and cross loaded terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet-loose avalanches up to size 2.5 have been reported daily during the recent warm, sunny weather. This MIN report has a great overview of spring conditions and avalanches observed on a Currie to Wedge trip.

A rider triggered size 1 avalanche was reported on a convex roll yesterday, failing on a buried crust.

A few natural, cornice failures were also reported in the region recently recently.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight snowfall may reach up to 15 cm in some areas, redistributed by southwest winds into deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes. Storm snow buries a melt-freeze crust, existing on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends into the alpine on solar aspects. In north-facing alpine terrain the surface snow has remained cold and dry.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and bonding. At the bottom of the snowpack, a layer of weak facets remains present and continues to be monitored.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Snow continues with 15 cm possible near Squamish, and around 5 cm for Whistler. Moderate southerly winds. Freezing levels drop to near 500 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with snowfall easing, up to 5 cm over the day. Winds ease to light southwesterlies. Freezing levels reach 1000 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud with light westerly winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Flurries possible.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with light easterly winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Flurries possible.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Overnight snowfall will be most reactive on north and east facing slopes. New snow will bury a melt-freeze and/or surface hoar. Expect higher snowfall amounts, and therefore larger and more reactive wind slabs closer to the coast.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2