[MCR] Kutetl Creek, Selkirk Mountains near Whitewater Ski resort

[Public Mountain Conditions Report]

Spent the day skiing under blue skies in the Kutetl Creek drainage 
behind Ymir Peak above the Whitewater Ski resort.  We were on a mostly 
east aspect and our elevation range was from 2300m down to 1800m.  Air 
temperatures ranged from about -20C at the lodge in the morning to  -12C 
just before noon at our lowest elevation.  The wind was calm in the 
valley and light from the north-east on the ridge tops.

Surface hoar has been growing up to 20mm mostly in the trees below 
2000m.  Most of it was lying flat on the surface, perhaps wind or the 
warmth from the sun knocked it over.

The crust from the most recent warming event was evident, though the new 
snow on top had enough carry to keep us from crunching down on it.  The 
skiing was excellent top to bottom, even off the summit of Half Dome 
with only the first few turns in wind-pressed snow.  Traveling up was 
fast with ski pen being only 10-15cm.

In a snow pit dug below Half Dome at 2250m on a north-east aspect we 
found an old buried surface hoar layer down about 80cm.  Stability tests 
produced no results even on this layer.  It did fail with a clean shear 
though, when the column was pulled off by hand.

Rider traffic increased throughout the day as two other parties joined 
us in the Kutetl drainage.  Ymir bowl was looking pretty tracked up by 
the time we skied back to the resort.  A small slide came out of the 
Dog's Leg, probably triggered by a rider.  Couldn't tell if it was from 
a slough, a slab or a cornice fall.

Enjoy the sun tomorrow, looks like the clouds will be back on 
Wednesday.  Play Safe.

Craig Hollinger,

ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.