Avalanche Conditions Report #5 - VIDEO

Welcome to Episode 5 of the 2025/2026 Avalanche Conditions Report, brought to you by Whitewater Mountain Resort.

Avalanche Canada Danger Rating:
Alpine: Considerable
Treeline: Considerable
Below Treeline: Considerable
Hazard is forecasted to decrease to Moderate at all elevations by Friday.

Snowpack:
We are currently managing a storm slab problem failing on a surface hoar layer buried on February 14.
A persistent slab problem from January 28 remains a key concern. This layer is now 50-70cm below the surface and has become more reactive with recent loading after being relatively quiet in previous weeks.

Natural, rider-triggered, and controlled avalanches ranging from size 1-3 have been observed in the surrounding Whitewater backcountry this past week, including a suspected skier-remote triggered size 3 failing on the January 28 surface hoar layer.

Forecast:
Avalanche hazard is in a state of change with active deeper layers.
Watch for signs of instability in elevated hazard, including whumping, shooting cracks, or recent avalanche activity.
  We'll be back with Episode 6, and be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!