 double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2004 : 9:09 PM
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BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE ADVISORY
MARCH 10, 2004 7:30 AM
11mm of rain fell on Monday night up to the 2100m. elevation. Temperatures began to plummet with the arrival of a cold front yesterday morning, resulting in a gradual stabilization of the surface layers of the snowpack. A melt-freeze crust can now be found on the surface on all aspects below 2100. This crust will vary in strength and in thickness depending on aspect and elevation.
North aspects at higher elevations were not affected by the rain and remain quite winter-like with 3-5cm of new snow on the surface.
In many areas the warm temperatures and rainfall have likely negated many of the buried weaknesses within the upper levels of our snowpack.
Bear in mind that on solar aspects the stability of the snow is hinging on the integrity of the surface crust. As the crust breads down with exposure to the sun, natural avalanche activity can be expected to begin to occur.
The avalanche danger is currently rated as LOW, however, it is expected to increase throughout the day on any solar aspects.
Whistler Mtn. Snow Safety
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. |
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March 10 Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry Advisory
