[MCR] Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater ski area

Subject: [MCR] Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater ski area
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:19:03 -0800
Just did a couple of days ski touring around the Whitewater Ski area slack-country in the sunshine. We skied an elevation range of 1600m to 2200m on all aspects.

I was pleasantly surprised that the recent warm temperatures hadn't trashed the snow too badly. The trees were still carrying snow although tree bomb activity was picking up later in the day on solar aspects. Steep, open solar slopes showed signs of significant snowballing while shaded aspects had plenty of dry powder. There was a temperature crust on open solar aspects that softened in the afternoon.

Surface hoar growth is abundant (up to 15mm crystals) at all elevations but more on the solar aspects than shaded. Go figure! On the solar aspects its growing overnight and melting during the day. In many places the surface hoar is sitting on a 20mm temperature crust. This layer will likely be of concern when we get more new snow.

I didn't see much evidence of recent avalanche activity unlike regions north of here. What avalanche debris I did see was covered with new snow. Cornices are looking well developed, but I didn't see any recent falls. As the afternoon temperatures rise, I'd expect the threat of avalanches to increase on steeper solar slopes.

Despite the apparent stability I employed the usual cautions in avalanche terrain, avoided avalanche paths and steered clear of slopes threatened by cornices.

Enjoy the sunshine, but play it safe.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.
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