Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Backcountry Advisory

As of Wednesday, March 24 Last Thursday’s storm cycle swept through our area with winds gusting to well over 100 km/h for sustained periods of time.

As of Wednesday, March 24

Last Thursday’s storm cycle swept through our area with winds gusting to well over 100 km/h for sustained periods of time. A natural avalanche cycle occurred during the storm, with widespread explosive and skier-triggered avalanches occurring over the next 24 hours. The storm snow layers gradually tightened in by Saturday night. Balmy temperatures and sunshine prevailed on Sunday and Monday, with subsequent cooling leaving us with another melt-freeze cycle. North aspects above 2,200 metres were relatively unaffected by this process.

Twenty-two centimetres of new snow fell overnight and this morning. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are forecasted for today, tonight and Thursday with moderate to strong winds and continued cool temperatures. We can expect to see widespread avalanche activity during and after this storm cycle as the storm snow layers will not likely bond very well to any underlying crusty surfaces. This morning soft slabs of up to 40 cm in depth were reacting easily to the weight of a skier, with widespread propagation.

Backcountry travel is not advised until after the passage of this storm cycle. Once it does pass, stick to the more conservative lines giving the storm snow a few days to tighten in before you venture out into any of the more exposed terrain.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 24 th , the backcountry avalanche danger is rated as HIGH.

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 .