[MCR] Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater Ski area backcountry

Subject: [MCR] Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater Ski area backcountry
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:35:36 -0800
Spent the last three days skiing in the backcountry near the Whitewater Ski area.

Air temperatures increased from -6C on Friday to around 0 today. There seemed to be an inversion today, valley temperatures were still below freezing. On the ski out this afternoon I noticed the snow was getting wet on the surface. We'll have to see what the approaching Pineapple Express does to the freezing levels in the next few days.

The Dec 29 surface hoar was easy to find below 1700m elevation and was down about 40cm. The well-preserved crystals were 25mm in size. Above this elevation it was harder to find and the crystals were about 10-15mm where found. Pretty much non-existent above 1900m. Stability tests on this layer were in the moderate to hard range with planar shears. Definite absence of recent avalanche activity although there were plenty of snowballs rolling down the slopes this afternoon. Despite the apparent stability, I still kept to conservative lines and avoided steep open slopes. You still can have fun in simple terrain.

Play safe.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.
_______________________________________________
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