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Avalanche Advisory

As of Wednesday, March 12 The next wave in a series of storms that began on Saturday night is pushing into our area this Wednesday morning. Although the winter weather is very welcome after the long drought, it is a little warmer than we might like.

As of Wednesday, March 12

The next wave in a series of storms that began on Saturday night is pushing into our area this Wednesday morning. Although the winter weather is very welcome after the long drought, it is a little warmer than we might like.

Fifty to 60 centimetres of relatively dense storm snow are now laying on the old crusts and facets that had been growing through February. Moderate shears in the storm snow are translating as easy and remote triggers out on the slopes. Hard shears in the crust facet weakness are clean and looming.

The forecast is for significant amounts of precipitation and rising freezing levels. This combination, when added to the current upper metre of the snowpack, could result in some serious avalanche activity. Expect a cycle of natural avalanches in the alpine if the freezing level reaches 1,800 metres, and expect skier triggered slab avalanches and very delicate cornices throughout (and following) this storm cycle.

The backcountry avalanche danger rating for the areas adjacent to the Whistler-Blackcomb ski areas as of 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12 is High. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely.

Follow the forecast and call 604-938-7676 or dial up www.avalanche.ca for the latest bulletins.