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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 3rd, 2024–Apr 4th, 2024
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
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

Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Be especially cautious in wind-affected terrain, where human-triggering is more likely.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle occurred Tuesday night during the storm. Numerous slab avalanches were triggered over steep northerly alpine terrain. Explosive controls produced several cornice falls and storm slabs up to size 2 around Whistler on Wednesday.

If you go into the backcountry, please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of new snow has accumulated above 1600 m with greater amounts found in leeward alpine terrain. This overlies a moist snow surface or a crust on all aspects, except north-facing alpine slopes where dry snow was found before the storm. The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 150-250 cm deep and is currently considered unreactive.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0 to 2 cm of accumulation. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 30 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2° C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday

Partly cloud with isolated flurries, 3 to 5 cm of accumulation. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm and wind slabs exist above 1600 m and will need time to settle. Be especially cautious as you transition into leeward terrain, where deeper, more reactive slabs have formed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2