Avalanche Conditions Report #5 - Jan 25 2024

Welcome to Episode 5 of the 23/24 Avalanche Conditions Report with Jason Wishlow, brought to you by Whitewater Ski Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, and State of the Snowpack!

The cold snap earlier this month has given way to mild temperatures and rising freezing levels. The freezing levels have stayed low enough to ensure that the recent precipitation remains snow above 1300m. Continued small to medium small pulses of snow have now put up to 50cm on top of wind-affected snow that was created by strong Easterly winds during the arctic outbreak.

The cold temperatures have created a layer of faceted snow sitting on the old wind slab. With the recent mild storm, it has been a perfect recipe to create a reactive storm slab.

Avalanche hazard in the Whitewater backcountry remains considerable as this new slab is reacting both naturally and to light loads from skiers/riders as it fails on the faceted snow that is now 40-60cm deep.

Please use extra caution in steep terrain where this slab is evident, and the possibility of this new slab stepping down to deeper layers is now a reality as well.

Stay tuned for Episode 6 and be sure to always check @avalanchecanada before heading into the backcountry!