Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 22nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for wind slabs in steep open terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -7 C.
TUESDAY: Sunny in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, 20-40 km/h west wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 10-15 cm of new snow throughout the day, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -3 C.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche reports during Sunday's storm were limited to a few small (size 1) storm slab avalanches, primarily on wind affected slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow is settling but may still be blown around in open terrain by westerly wind. Stormy weather since Thursday has delivered about 30 cm of snow to the Whistler area and closer to 50 cm further west and south. This snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. Observations suggest the snow has bonded well to these old interfaces. There are currently no concerning weak layers in the snowpack, although a spotty early season facet layer deep in the snowpack could return as a problem later in the season.
Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow may still be reactive on steep wind affected slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
