Avalanche Conditions Report #7 - VIDEO

Welcome to Episode 7 of the 2024/2025 Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason from Whitewater Ski Resort.
  We've gone from winter to spring and back to winter again! Currently, Avalanche Canada is rating the hazard as moderate in the alpine, at treeline, and below treeline.

After a weekend of warm temperatures and high freezing levels, melt-freeze crusts are now present on all aspects, except for north-facing slopes above 2100m. These crusts are thicker and more supportive on solar aspects but become breakable and less dense on north facing aspects.

The persistent weak layer from January 31 — a mix of surface hoar, facets, and a melt-freeze crust — sits 70 to 100cm down and has produced large avalanches in the past week. This includes a size 3 heli-controlled avalanche in West Ymir and Cougar's Claw above Whitewater Resort as well as a size 3 natural avalanche on XTC Peak along Evening Ridge. This layer remains a concern, especially in areas where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.

After receiving over 10cm of fresh snow yesterday, the skiing and riding has greatly improved, softening the surface and providing a welcome refresh over the firm crusts. With no new storms in the forecast until next week, conditions will gradually evolve with sun, wind, and daytime warming.

We'll be back with Episode 8 and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!