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Backcountry Avalanche Advisory

As of Wednesday, Feb. 24

(Please note that Backcountry refers to any areas outside the Ski Area Boundary)

Alpine: Moderate Thursday, Considerable Friday

Treeline: Moderate Thursday, Considerable Friday

Below Treeline: Low Thursday, Moderate Friday

Travel Advisory: New snow will gradually accumulate through the next few days before a more intense period of precipitation loads lee start zones on Friday. The new snow is falling on loose old snow, areas of crust and some areas of windslab. There are also areas of small surface hoar that were buried during last week's outflow and reverse loading.

Avalanche Activity: A fairly active period of slabs up to size three running on surface hoar late last week has settled down somewhat, while solar-triggered activity has messed up direct solar exposed slopes with hard debris.

Snowpack: On sheltered slopes at and below the treeline, several surface hoar layers can be found buried within the past storm snow layers. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate shears in our region. Below this is a strong coastal snowpack. Conditions change quite drastically once you lose elevation. Melt-freeze conditions exist on all aspects to 1,900 metres and to ridgeline on solar aspects.

Weather: Light snowfall and moderate winds through Thursday will increase on Thursday night. This more organized system will bring moderate to strong winds with rising freezing levels and heavier precipitation loading storm slabs into lee start zones on Friday.

Travel with a partner and be equipped and prepared for self-rescue. Watch out for winch-cats or snowmobile traffic if you re-enter the area after operating hours.

- Blackcomb Snow Safety