[MCR] Whitewater backcountry, southern Selkirks

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Yesterday I skied into the Prospector's area of Whitewaters's 
'slackcountry'.  The most notable feature is the shallow showpack, just 
over 100cm at 2100m.  A hasty pit revealed two crusts.  The early 
November crust is about 40cm from the ground.  The other is about 40cm 
above that.  These layers seemed to be well bonded, the upper crust 
having the weaker bond.

I didn't see much in the way of wind loading.  I managed to knock off 
some small pillows of soft wind slab in a few places along the ridge, 
but felt they weren't too serious.  I'd suspect these pillows could be 
more significant in areas that saw more wind or where the terrain 
concentrated the wind.

The ski run down was pretty good, nice powder sitting on a strong 
crust.  The November crust is keeping the skis off the rocks.  I had to 
watch out for numerous partly buried trees, stumps and rocks, typical 
hazards for this time of the season.

Play safe out there.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.