Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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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.

Summary

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2024 4:00PM

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