May 22, 2013

Hard to see but there is a grouse (Yellow & White) in the centre of the picture. Above 7Th Ave.

Mid mountain clouds this Am with the snow line down to 1100 meters. Will be a fairly nice morning. Mid layer cloud will rise!


At 2240 meters the temperature was -4.5, winds were 10-15 KPH from the N. At 1550 meters the temperature was 0, 2 cm of new snow with a base of 119 cm. In the valley it was +5. Observations taken at 08:00 Hours this AM.


For the forecast the precipitation has eased off with a lull in the low. The system is south of us but precipitation will start back up later today into this evening. The upper low will still affect our zone with a very unstable air mass at times producing unsettled conditions. Models and forecaster's are having a hard time staying on top of this persistent weather system. Expect freezing levels to drop to about 1500 meters early Thursday morning with fresh snow in the upper elevations. Friday is looking sunny with cloudy periods then a weak upper trough arrives for Saturday with cloudy skies and light precip. Guesstimates for today are 2-4 mm of rain with 4-6 cm of new snow tomorrow morning, Thursday 1-2 mm of precip, Friday mostly sunny, Saturday 4-6 mm

May 21, 2013

Some fresh snow to look forward too!

Image from 07:15 this AM. 

At 2240 meters the temperature was -1.5, winds were 15-25 KPH from the ESE.  At 1550 meters the temperature was +2, 3 mm of precip fell over night with a base at 118 cm.  In the valley the temperature was +7. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs.

For the forecast the cold low is upon us and will be with us until the weekend. The system should weaken on Thursday into Friday with unsettled conditions. Will get a bit cooler tonight but the coldest air in the system is going south. Freezing levels tonight could go as low as 1500 meters, its hard to get an exact figure due to the tracking of the system. The weekend also looks damp as the low circulates in our zone. Hopefully this will change. Guesstimates for mid mountain precip levels, Today 10-15 mm, Wednesday 4-6 mm, Thursday 2-4 mm, Friday 1-3 mm. Expect 8-12 cm of snow for the alpine by tomorrow morning.  

May 20, 2013

Looking north this morning its evident the clouds will move in.

Still looking broken to the South West.



At 2240 meters the temperature was 0, winds were light from the S. At 1550 meters the temperature wad +3, no new snow and a base of 121 cm. In the valley it was +8. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs.

For the forecast we will see unsettled conditions with sunny breaks early this morning as the upper level ridging is pushed out of the zone.  Increased cloud cover this am with the possibility of showers by this afternoon.  A deep persistent cold low is moving down the coast from the Gulf of Alaska and will remain in this zone until the weekend. It appears the bulk of the system will slide into the interior by Wednesday, difficult to estimate precipitation amounts as our zone will be on the fringe of the system. The position and strength of the low will change through out the forecast period.  Freezing levels could drop to 1200 meters by Tuesday. Guesstimates for today trace to 2 mm, Tonight 5-10 mm with snow in the upper elevations, Tuesday 10-20 mm with snow in the upper elevations, Wednesday 1-5 mm with snow in the upper elevations.

May 19, 2013

Looking towards Blackcomb this Am, dusting of fresh snow. Should see some sunny breaks this morning.

Yesterday morning at 1850 meters.


At 2240 meters the temperature was -2, winds were calm. At 1550 meters the temperature was +4, no new snow and the base is now at 125 cm. In the valley it was +9. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs this Am. Temperatures in the alpine should rise fairly quickly once the sun comes out.


For the forecast we will see drier conditions today with the weak upper ridge trying to establish itself, unsettled conditions today with a mix of cloud, sunny periods, and the possibility of rain showers. Monday is looking drier but still unsettled. A broad upper trough will dominate the forecast area for the remainder of the week. A wet low will bring precipitation into the area Monday night into Tuesday. Several bands of moderate to heavy precipitation can be expected Wednesday evening, lightening up for Thursday. Freezing levels will have a high of 2600 meters and a low of 1800 meters in the next few days. Guesstimates Today trace-1mm, Monday trace-1 mm, Tuesday 15-20 mm, Wednesday 2-4 mm during the day, 8-12 mm Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.

May 18, 2013

The clouds moved in quickly yesterday morning, the snow was nice for skiing/riding.

At 2240 meters the temperature was -2, winds were 20-30 KPH from the SSE. At 1550 meters the temperature was +3, no new snow and a base of 127 cm.  1 mm of precip recorded overnight. In the valley it was +8. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs. this AM.

For the forecast expect a cloudy day with light rain at times. The broad upper trough will remain as the dominate feature affecting our area into next week. A  weak ridge will push into our area by tomorrow into Monday with unsettled conditions but drier and slightly warmer conditions. A deep upper low is forecasted for Tuesday into Thursday with cooler and wetter conditions. Snow in the upper elevations can be expected for Tuesday into Thursday.

Blackcomb Bowl and Horstman Glacier are closed due to avalanche concerns, Glacier Express and 7 Th heaven lifts are open.

May 17, 2013

It was a great morning yesterday, then the clouds built into cumulus shortly followed by cumulus nimbus and some precipitation in the mountains.

At 2240 meters the temperature was +1, winds were calm. At 1550 meters the temperature was +4.5, no new snow with a base of 130 cm. In the valley it was +7. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs.

For the forecast expect unsettled conditions for today, similar day as yesterday, clouds should build as the day progresses with light precip in the alpine.The south west flow will bring a stronger trough through our area Saturday with cloudy skies and at times moderate precipitation. A weak ridge builds for Sunday and early Monday with unsettled conditions. A deep upper low is expected for Tuesday bringing moist and cool conditions until Wednesday. Guesstimates Today 1-3 mm, Saturday 3-5 mm, Sunday 1-2 mm, Monday 1-3 mm with 1-3 cm in the alpine, Tuesday 1-3 mm with 2-5 cm in the alpine. Freezing levels will be as high as 2400 meters today averaging around 2000 meters until Tuesday when they drop to around 1600 meters.

May 16, 2013

A dusting of fresh snow early yesterday morning, the snow drifted just along the road. Unfortunately the visibility did not change until later in the day. Snow showers occurred through out the day.

Satellite picture from yesterday morning, really thick clouds to the south.



At 2240 meters the temperature was +1, winds were 10-20 KPH from the E. At 1550 meters the temperature was +2.5, no new snow with a base of 132 cm. In the valley it was +7. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs this AM.


For the forecast another weak upper trough over the Pacific Northwest will give us unsettled weather for today and Friday. A stronger trough will bring widespread showers for Saturday. A very weak ridge will bring drier conditions for Sunday and Monday with rain showers.  Guesstimates Today 1-3 mm, Friday 1-3 mm, Saturday 5-8 mm, Sunday 1-3 mm. Freezing levels will rise to 2500 meters today and tomorrow dropping to 2100 meters tomorrow evening.

May 15, 2013

Enough new snow to show some turns yesterday, it was moist below tree line.

A moment when the sun could cast a shadow.



At 2240 meters the temperature was -2.5, winds were 10-20 KPH from the ESE. At 1550 meters the temperature was +1, the base is now 134 cm , with 2 cm of new snow there in the past 24 hours. In the valley it was +6.

For the forecast continued unsettled conditions for the next few days as a series of weak upper level troughs pass through our area. Today the upper level flow will be southwest, switching to a westerly flow this evening. A trough approaching for Saturday will likely bring the cloudiest day for the forecast period. There is a chance a minor upper ridge will build for Sunday. Guesstimates Today 1-3 mm, Thursday 1-2 mm, Friday 1-2 mm, Saturday 5-8 mm, Sunday 3-5 mm. Freezing levels will fluctuate from 2400 meters to 2000 meters in the next few days. May drop as low as 1900 meters on Saturday. Cooler temps will be here by Monday with FL dipping to 1600 meters.

May 14, 2013

Looks like the sky is a bit broken this morning.

Participated in the 13 Th annual Blackcomb Patrol Golf Tournament yesterday.



At 2240 meters the temperature was -4.5, winds were 10-20 KPH from the ESE. At 1550 meters the temperature was +.5, the base is now at 135 cm.  In the valley it was +6, 12.8 mm of precipitation was recorded there yesterday. Observations taken at 08:00 hours this AM.


For the forecast, today appears to be drier  as a weak ridge builds to the south of us. Unsettled weather can be expected for the next week. A weak front will move into the area later today bringing mostly cloudy skies for Wednesday with some isolated rain showers. An upper trough will affect our area Wednesday evening bringing unsettled conditions for Thursday and Friday. Westerly flow aloft will prevail for the week. Guesstimates Today 1-3 mm, Wednesday 2-4 mm, Thursday 1-2 mm, Friday 3-5 mm. Freezing levels will rise from 1700 meters today to 2000 meters for Wednesday.

May 13, 2013

Lots of water in Green Lake, the spit was submerged yesterday morning.

Mountain drainage systems were maxed out.


At 2240 meters the temperature was -1, winds were 15-20 KPH from the E. At 1550 meters the temperature was +3.5, no new snow with a  base of 136 cm. 5.5 mm of rain was recorded in the precipitation gauge. In the valley it was +9. Observations taken at 08:00 Hrs this AM.


For the forecast we can expect a wet day with a cool upper trough moving through the area today associated with a SW flow aloft. The trough is very active and electrical activity is possible today, especially south of our zone.  Tuesday appears to dry out with periods of light precipitation. The remainder of the week looks unsettled with cooler temperatures and seasonable conditions. Guesstimates; Today 10-15 mm, Tuesday 1-3 mm, Wednesday 1-3 mm, Thursday 1-3 mm. Freezing levels will drop to 1600 meters this evening, rise to 2000 meters tomorrow afternoon and then back down to 1600 meters for Tuesday evening. For the remainder of the week the levels will fluctuate from 1800-2400 meters. It was snowing at 2200 meters yesterday evening.

May 12, 2013

Yesterday morning the clouds moved in but the rain held off until later in the day.

At 2240 meters the temperature was +1.5, winds were 60-100 KPH from the S. At 1550 meters the temperature was +6.5, 26 mm of rain was recorded there. The base sits at 140 cm. In the valley it was +12. Observations taken at 07:00 hrs this AM.

There is an Avalanche Closure in effect for the Alpine today!!


For the forecast the heavy precipitation associated with the frontal system has eased off for the time being but there is more rain on the way. We should see a lull for a while with increased precip again this evening. The long term forecast looks grey and wet for the week, as a series of week fronts move through our area.  An upper level trough is expected Monday afternoon and Thursday. Freezing levels will be around 2300 meters today, slowly lowering to 1700 meters by Tuesday night. The remainder of the week will see freezing levels between 2000-2300 meters. Guesstimates for Today 10-15 mm, Monday 10-15 mm, Tuesday 3-5 mm, Wednesday 3-5 mm, Thursday 3-5mm.

May 11, 2013

Cirrus clouds moved in yesterday morning.

A slow westerly flow.

Fresh activity slightly right of centre, May 9-10, 2013. For the past week there has been wet loose avalanche activity every day especially south of WB Ski Area, mostly cornice failure induced.


At 2240 meters the temperature was +5.5, winds were 20-30 KPH from the SSE. At 1550 meters the temperature was +9.6, no new snow and a base of 150 cm. In the valley it was +9. Observations taken at 07:00 Hrs this AM. Max temp in the valley yesterday was +25.6, at 1550 meters it was +18, and at 2240 meters it was +11.

For the forecast, cloudy skies for today with rain in the mix for later this afternoon. Heavy rain for later tonight into early Sunday morning. The upper level ridge is shifting east allowing a cold front with strong winds and moderate to heavy precipitation into our area. The brunt of the precip will fall early Sunday morning and ease by the afternoon, followed by light to moderate rain Sunday evening. A trailing upper level trough will move onshore Monday. A series of weak fronts will pass over the area next week giving us unsettled conditions. Guesstimates 20-30 mm of rain by Sunday morning, 15-20 mm Sunday, 10-15 mm Monday, 3-8 mm Tuesday, 2-5 mm Wednesday. Freezing levels will be around 3300 meters on Saturday, 2100 meters by Sunday evening, then slowly dropping to 1700 meters by Tuesday. Wednesday the FL will climb back up to approximately 2000 meters.

May 10, 2013

Ground Hog Day again, all week the same weather pattern.

The one thing that is different is the amount of snow melting and evaporating each day.

Even the runs in 7 Th Heaven are melting quickly!!


At 2240 meters the temperature was +9.5, winds were 0-5 KPH from the SSW. At 1550 meters the temperature was +10, no new snow and a base of 154 cm. In the valley it was +5. Observations taken at 07:00 Hrs this AM. Max temps for yesterday were +26.8 in the valley, +18 at 1550 meters and +16 at 2240 meters.

For the forecast the upper level ridge will continue to hold today, before the approaching frontal system moves into our zone on Saturday. Cirrus cloud developing to the West.  High and mid level cloud can be expected for Saturday and rain will start later in the day. The frontal system will continue to bring rain Sunday easing off Sunday evening before an approaching upper trough arrives for Monday. Monday will also bring a day of mostly cloudy weather and showers. Unsettled for Tuesday into Wednesday with a mix of sun, cloud and snow flurries in the upper elevations. Freezing levels for the rain event will start at 3400 meters Saturday evening, Drop to about 2200 meters for Sunday, Drop to 1850 meters for Monday, and go as low as 1550 meters for Tuesday. Guesstimates for precip are 20-30 mm by Sunday afternoon, 10-20 mm by Monday afternoon, 10-15 mm by Tuesday afternoon. These might be a bit high, the frontal system approaching does have the potential for these amounts.

May 9, 2013

Ground hog day again yesterday, we have certainly been in an amazing cycle.

Some more surface activity on Armchair yesterday.


At 2240 meters the temperature was +10, winds were calm. At 1550 meters the temperature was +7.5, no new snow and the base is now 159 cm. In the valley it was + 5. Observations taken at 07:00 Hrs this AM. Maximum temp in the valley yesterday was +25, at 2240 meters it was +14, and at 1550 meters it was +17.

For the forecast we can expect another ground hog day, sunny skies and warm temperatures. The ridge of high pressure will be here until the next frontal system enters our area on Saturday. Some cloud development is possible for Friday. Clouds and sun for Saturday until rain begins Late Saturday evening into Monday. Its been difficult to put an exact amount on the rain but its looking like heavy rain at times early Saturday morning into Sunday. Monday has the potential to be wet also when an upper trough will slide into the area. A ridge of high pressure will be here by Wednesday.  Guesstimates 20-40 mm by Tuesday. Freezing levels on Saturday will be 3000 meters decreasing to 1800 meters by Monday evening.

Does anyone have a picture of the reported avalanche on the Duffy Lake Road from the past few days and when it occurred??

May 8, 2013

A little glaze at 09:00 yesterday morning.

Another very warm day, May 7, 2013.

Some activity on Fissile, but still just surface slides.

At 2240 meters the temperature was +6, winds were 10-15 KPH from the S. At 1550 meters the temperature was +8, no new snow and the base is shrinking, 163 cm there. In the valley it was +6. Observations taken at 07:00 Hrs this AM. Maximum temperature in the valley yesterday was + 27, at 2240 meters the max temp was +15, and at 1550 meters it was +18 yesterday late in the day.

For the forecast we can expect more sun with slightly warmer temperatures today and Friday. Possibility of some clouds entering our area by Friday but unlikely. Saturday will bring a change in the weather with  the leading edge of a frontal system bringing cloud during the day and light rain for Saturday evening, light rain can be expected early Sunday morning and during the day. Guesstimate of 10-20 mm of precipitation by Monday night. Freezing levels will be 3000 meters on Saturday and progressively dropping to 1700 meters by Monday evening. An upper level trough is expected for Monday with some showers. Tuesday looks like another upper ridge will build later in the day.