The week's weather was dominated by unstable atmospheric conditions, light precipitation and convective activity to the area. Snowfall amounts accumulated to 15-20cm in the alpine over the week, but decreased drastically at elevations below 2000m. Daytime freezing levels spiked to ridge top at the beginning of the week, but generally hovered around 1800m and dipped down to 1400m at night. Unseasonably cool temperatures kept the alpine quite wintry with lows of -5 degrees C overnight and highs around -1 degree C during the day. Winds were generally light gusting moderate from the south and west.

Limited avalanche activity was observed. Widespread loose wet up to size 2 was observed all solar aspects between April 22-25, but tapered off in the alpine between April 26-28 with cooler temperatures. One deep persistent slab size 3 was observed from afar on Duffy Peak, NW aspect, suspect Nc triggered around April 21. Isolated Na and Sa windslab activity to size 2 was observed in the Spearhead Gl. area on April 23. Some Nc failures to size 2 off Decker observed on April 28. Hazard ratings began on April 22 at 2/1/1 and trended to 1/1/2 with caution for solar and daytime warming by April 28. Avalanche problems were cornice and loose wet.

Ski quality improved throughout the week. Initially widespread breakable crust, frozen debris and old tracks made for very difficult ski conditions. With the new snow and a spring diurnal cycle the conditions transformed to settled dry snow on high N aspects and corn elsewhere.

The glaciers are very filled in, and coverage at low elevations remained continuous with skinning possible from the road at the Duffy.

Zones skied –
Blackcomb backcountry: Decker, Trorey Glacier, Spearhead Glacier, Corona Bowl, Husume, Vista Bowl, Circle Lake, Body Bag, Wedge Creek.

Duffy – Matier, Tzil, Anniversary Glacier, Joffre Lakes Trail, Cerise Creek Trail.