Mountain Conditions and Weather Report
Date: Apr 18, 2025
Time: 17:15
Location: STSG
Current Snow Conditions:
No new snow was reported in the last 12 hours at mid elevations (1300 m to 1600 m). Surface conditions are likely spring-like and settled, with minimal recent accumulation. Shaded north aspects above 1600 m may still hold firmer or cooler snow surfaces, while south and west-facing slopes will likely be influenced by the mild temperatures, potentially forming a sun crust by late afternoon. Overall coverage remains excellent for April, with a stable base depth from the previous months of snowfall.
Temperature Trends:
Friday evening brings treeline temperatures around +4 °C, dropping overnight as the freezing level lowers from 3200 m to about 2000 m. By Saturday, treeline temperatures hover near 0 °C with a freezing level of 1500 m, then slightly lower Sunday and Monday near 1400 m. This indicates a gradual return to cooler spring conditions, aiding snow preservation on upper slopes.
Wind Overview:
Winds remain moderate out of the west, around 30–40 km/h into Saturday, with gusts peaking near 45 km/h. Expect noticeable wind effect at higher elevations and in exposed terrain. By Monday, winds diminish to 10–20 km/h and shift northerly.
General Forecast:
Friday evening skies will be mostly cloudy, transitioning to a mix of sun and cloud for Saturday through Monday. No significant precipitation is expected in the short term, so snow conditions should remain consistent, with daytime melting followed by overnight cooling.
Advice:
Pack layers for variable spring conditions: the upper mountain may retain firmer surfaces, while lower slopes could soften by mid-day. If you’re looking for better turns, aim for higher north-facing gullies early, then enjoy soft corn on solar aspects later. Keep an eye on the Aurora Backcountry Pass Guide Announcements in the Base Camp Forum for any updates, and consider hiring a Certified ACMG Ski Guide for added safety and local knowledge. Enjoy the weekend, and stay mindful that spring conditions can change quickly despite the moderate forecast!
Date: Apr 18, 2025
Time: 17:15
Location: WB (Whistler Blackcomb)
Current Snow Conditions:
No new snow observed in the last 12 hours. At mid-mountain (1650 m), the snow base (HS) sits around 218 cm. Temperatures are spring-like, with 3.5 °C up top (2284 m) and 17.5 °C at the base (675 m). Expect soft, potentially heavy spring snow in sun-exposed zones, with firmer surfaces in the mornings or higher elevations. Warmth may lead to afternoon slush at lower elevations, but north-facing aspects could stay relatively consolidated.
Temperature Trends:
A normal lapse rate is evident, with cooler temperatures aloft moving to significantly warmer conditions below. Current readings range from about 3 °C near the summit to over 17 °C at the base. Freezing levels will likely drop toward 1700–1800 m tonight, bringing cooler overnight conditions before rebounding around 1700 m on Saturday.
Wind Overview:
Winds at ridgetop are currently moderate (25–33 km/h from the west/southwest). Similar intensities are expected overnight and into the weekend, possibly gusting up to 40 km/h. Anticipate some wind effect in exposed alpine areas, though speeds are not extreme.
General Forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, trace moisture possible. Freezing levels around 1700–1800 m.
Saturday: Partly cloudy skies, west wind ~30 km/h, near 0 °C at treeline.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, cooler with isolated flurries (up to 5 cm). Freezing levels near 1500 m.
Monday: Sunny and mild, light winds, freezing levels rising to 1700 m.
Advice:
Warm afternoons mean slushy turns, so start early if you’re aiming for firmer snow. Bring wax for sticky spring conditions and stay alert for quick changes in surface quality with elevation. Keep an eye on the Aurora Backcountry Pass Guide Announcements in the Base Camp Forum, and as always, hiring a Certified ACMG Ski Guide is a smart move.
Date: Apr 18, 2025
Time: 17:15
Location: Duffey
Current Snow Conditions:
At 1250 m (Cayoosh), the snowpack is 61 cm with no new snow and daytime highs nearing 15 °C. At higher elevations (Mid Blowdown, 1890 m), the base is 138 cm with a trace 2 cm of new snow over the last 12 hours. Recent warm temperatures have likely produced a soft, moist surface in sun-exposed areas at lower elevations. Higher up, the thin dusting may offer slightly better turns, but expect variable spring conditions, including crusts in the morning and softer surfaces when warmed by the sun.
Temperature Trends:
Temperatures reflect a normal lapse rate (warming in valleys, cooler at higher elevations). The lower station reached 15 °C, while Mid Blowdown maxed at 13 °C. Freezing levels are forecast between about 1500 m and 2500 m, dropping overnight, so melt-freeze cycles are expected.
Wind Overview:
Over the last 12 hours, winds at Cayoosh have been light (1 km/h SW), though ridgetop winds are forecast to be moderate (west 15–45 km/h) into Friday night. Sustained west winds around 30 km/h are expected Saturday, likely to continue transporting any available loose snow at upper elevations and creating wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain.
General Forecast:
Cloudy skies and isolated wet flurries are possible Friday night, with freezing levels cooling into Saturday. Saturday brings partly cloudy conditions, continued westerly winds, and near 0 °C at treeline. Sunday may see up to 5 cm of snow at upper elevations under mostly cloudy skies, then Monday looks clearer with milder conditions.
Advice:
Be ready for classic springtime variability—freeze-thaw crusts early, softer snow later. Heading higher should offer slightly better coverage, but it’s still on the low side for April. Keep an eye on the Aurora Backcountry Pass Guide Announcements in the Base Camp Forum for further updates. If you want someone else to worry about weather nuances and terrain management, consider hiring a Certified ACMG Ski Guide. Safe travels!
- Aurora Backcountry Guides -
Aurora MCR
Daily Mountain Conditions Reports
-
Snow Fall Amounts
-
Snow Quality
-
Avalanche Hazard
-
Snowpack Descriptions
-
Forward Looking Conditions Analysis
-
Advice
ONLY AVAILABLE ON THE APP
