This is a overview of conditions experienced on an Assistant Ski Guide Exam,
April 14-22 based out of Pemberton. We traveled throughout the Duffy Lake
area and the Whistler / Blackcomb backcountry.
For the most part it was a chilly week for April. Light southwest flow
brought fluctuating freezing levels from valley bottom to 1500m April 15-17.
During this time up to 10cm fell accompanied by light to moderate wind. Five
to 15cm of low density snow fell on the 18th due to a cold front.
Temperatures plummeted after the front and winds increased to moderate from
the northeast. Minimum temperatures each morning ranged from -15 to -19 in
the alpine. Daytime highs ranged from -5 to -10, elevation dependent.
A crust that formed on April 12, was found 10-30cm below the surface on all
but high north facing terrain. For the most part the bond between the crust
and snow were good, but facets were starting to form above the crust.
Periods of wind through the week caused isolated pockets of windslabs in
alpine lee features up to 30cm thick.
We experienced minimal avalanche activity through the week, with no
significant naturals observed. We managed to kick off a few sluffs to size 2
due to heating on solar aspects early in the week and ski cut one size 1 on
a high elevation northwest facing lee feature.
As expected this time of year, the best skiing was on high elevation
sheltered north facing terrain. On other quadrants and elevations, dust on
crust describes conditions. Due to the crust ski crampons were useful.
In general we rated stability G/VG/VG