Recently formed storm slabs have been especially reactive to human triggers on northerly aspects below alpine ridgetops.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine low -3 C / Freezing level 1100 m.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 1 C / Freezing level 1600 m.SATURDAY: Snow; 10-20 cm. / Moderate, southwesterly winds / Alpine high -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high -3 C / Freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, there were numerous small (size 1) skier triggered storm slabs reported on primarily northerly aspects below ridgetops near Whistler.On Monday, four skier-triggered storm slab avalanches (size 1.5-2) in the Whistler backcountry were reported on north facing aspects below alpine ridgetops, including this Decker Main MIN report
here.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.The snowpack structure changes with elevation and aspect. Below roughly 1900 m. the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions
HERE.