Backcountry Avalanche Advisory

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

 

Last Updated: Friday, March 12, 2010 6:58 AM

  Fri Sat Sun
Alpine Considerable High Considerable
Treeline Considerable Considerable Moderate
Below Treeline Moderate Moderate Moderate

Travel Advisory:

Heavy precipitation and strong winds have deposited areas of deep soft slab in sheltered start zones and leeward areas. These wind affected slabs are sitting over small surface hoar and areas of hard crust and are expected to be easily triggered. This trend of precipitation, wind, and easily triggered size two slab avalanches is expected to continue into the weekend.

Avalanche Activity:

Isolated slabs up to 50cm's were skier triggerable yesterday, with another 20 cm of windloaded snow now loaded over the exposed old crust and the early storm slab.

Snowpack:

33 cm of storm snow that was significantly wind afceted for the first day of the storm is sitting on old surface hoar where it survived the winds. The early storm snow was distributed into isolated locations while many areas were scoured. The overnight snow is expected to be found as soft slabs near features and loose in sheltered and lee areas.

Weather:

Another strong front should ramp up winds and precipitation later today befaore a break arrives tomorrow.

 

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

 

Canadian Avalanche CenterPlease click the logo to view the Canadian Avalanche Center Bulletins

 

What you should know...

Every backcountry user should be well prepared and travel with experienced backcountry users. Each member should carry an avalanche transceiver on the 457 KHz frequency and carry equipment for self-rescue.

Our avalanche advisory is updated regularly during the winter season from November through to June. Our hours of operation page has opening and closing dates and times for our winter season. Whistler Mountain's avalanche forecasters post bulletins updating the status and stability of the snow in the backcountry based on snow surveys taken from both within and outside the ski area boundaries.

Be aware that conditions may change and sometimes vary from one slope to the next.