Welcome to Episode 1 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort, Backcountry Skiing Canada, & @State Of The Snowpack. 

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Moderate
Treeline: Moderate
Below Treeline: Low

Snowpack:
Recent storm cycles have been highly variable, with warming temperatures and rising freezing levels. This has created multiple melt freeze rain crusts throughout the snowpack.

The most recent crusts formed on December 10 and 12. They are widespread at lower elevations and more limited in alpine terrain. These crust layers have acted as sliding surfaces for several recent avalanche cycles, including avalanches up to size 2.5 in the Whitewater area.

Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and periods of rain have added stress to weaker layers below.
In areas where the crust is not present, a December 1 surface hoar layer is buried up to 70cm deep and has reacted to light loads.
Be especially cautious on loaded slopes, particularly at higher elevations, where storm slabs may exist above these weak layers.

Forecast: 
More storms are incoming with slightly lower freezing levels! Remember, despite the recent storms, early season hazards including rocks, stumps, holes and open water persist, especially below 1800m, so please use extra caution!
  We'll be back with Episode 2, and be sure to always check Avalanch  Canada before heading into the backcountry!