As of Wednesday, April 7
The cooling trend associated with the arrival of a weak system on the B.C. coast overnight has resulted in a crust recovery in the alpine, with isothermal snowpack conditions prevailing below the treeline.
All aspects but north facing ones in the high alpine have previously been affected by the sun earlier this week. As this system passes and the ridge of high pressure begins to rebuild on Thursday, we can expect to once again re-enter a classic spring melt-freeze cycle.
It is the time of year when planning is the key ingredient to finding the best snow conditions while still managing to travel safely – follow the sun around and avoid any terrain where the snow has turned to unsupportive mush.
This is the time of year when large cornice failures are common. Cornices are currently well developed and susceptible to failure with little or no trigger. Stay well back from the edge of the ridgelines and avoid travelling under any large cornice features.
The avalanche danger is rated as LOW.
This will increase during the day if any snowfall develops with this system, as well as with its passage as sunny skies prevail once again.Conditions may vary and can change rapidly. Check for the most current conditions before heading out into the backcountry. Daily updates for the areas adjacent to Whistler-Blackcomb are available at 604-938-7676, or at www.whistler-blackcomb.com/weather where there is also a link to the CAA public avalanche bulletin, or call 1-800-667-1105.
