18 Nov 2012



The season started Saturday, with 10 cm of fresh snow above 1200 meters and an active pacific frontal system continuing through out the day. As of this morning at 07:00 hrs the temperature at 2260 meters was -6.5, in the valley it was +1, and there was 22 cm of new snow recorded at Pig Alley(1650 meters)
Freezing level will hover around 1000 meters. A series of pacific frontal systems will bring light to moderate snowfall for the next week. Freezing levels will be lowering progressively as the week unfolds. Expect 5-10 cm today with another 15-20 cm tonight.

Lift line at 08:20 on opening day at the Whistler Gondola.

Some avalanches were noted yesterday on Whistler Mountain at the 1900 meter elevation, size 1.5 slides believed to be running on or just above the November 4 Th crust. The avalanche advisory for Whistler\Blackcomb is worth reading.

For the updated local avalanche advisory: 2012-2013 Season

Snow and Ice Classification System: International Standard

From unofficalnetworks: Airbags

There is a link here that describes the avalanche in Norway where the Guide was buried 6 meters deep with his skis on after deploying his air bag. March 19, 2012

From Beacon Reviews: Transceiver Rumours

Vancouver Island Avalanche Bulletin: Waiting for snow

Thanks to Jeff Slack for the photos of Don't Swill, east aspect of Spearhead Peak, notice the large bergschrund and many crevasses. Taken last week, the new snow will be covering these up!!

Thanks to Daniel Kliger for the shots of his tour into Blackcomb Glacier from the bottom.