If only it was like this every day!!

For the updated weather report click here: Weather

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

We are lucky that our Avalanche Terrain is so far from any buildings, here is a clip form Europe a few years ago when a large avalanche destroyed some buildings: Carnage

Nice and cold!!

For the latest weather update click here: Weather


For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


More information on the 13 th avalanche fatality in the US this 2011-2012 season:

A39-year-old man died Thursday in an avalanche north of Wolf Creek Ski Area.

The man, whose identity was not released Thursday, lived near Copper Mountain, said Mineral County Sheriff Fred Hosselkus. He was originally from either Australia or New Zealand, he said.

The slide occurred about 12:30 p.m. in an area commonly used by backcountry skiers, Hosselkus said. The area is accessible via the Lobo parking lot near the summit of Wolf Creek Pass on U.S. Highway 160.

Three men were skiing together when the avalanche was triggered, he said.

One man escaped the slide without injury, and another suffered a knee injury and two teeth knocked out, Hosselkus said.

The men did not use Wolf Creek’s ski lifts to access the backcountry, he said.

He described them as experienced backcountry skiers with proper equipment. One of them used a cellphone to report the slide.

Emergency workers had not removed the man from the mountain as of 4:30 p.m.

“We’re going to do what we can to get him out (Thursday), if not we’ll do it in the morning,” he said.

The men took turns going to the bottom.

The first man made it to the bottom, the second man made a couple of turns before triggering the avalanche, and the avalanche cut above the third man at top and sucked him into it, Hosselkus said.

The second man to go down is the one who died, he said.

It is the sixth avalanche-related fatality this winter in Colorado, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Someone was killed earlier this week near Telluride.

Hosselkus reminded backcountry enthusiasts to be aware of snow conditions.

“The avalanche danger is really high right now,” he said.

Yet another avalanche incident, a little closer to home in Stevens Pass :Stevens Pass Avalanche

Yesterday an Avalanche on the Blackomb Rescue Road caused by riders using permanently closed terrain required a search of the debris.

If you follow the road down from the top of the rescue road, after the first corner there are several slopes that come down onto the road. Yesterday it appears that several people skied into the upper slope into this avalanche path causing a size 2 slide to go over the road.  It happened after the control teams had finished opening Spanky's Ladder and Blackcomb Glacier. Luckily a patrol team came across it just as the area was being opened. They initiated a search of the debris and  no one was buried. It required that Show Case T Bar be closed for a while and if it had been bigger would have closed Spanky's Ladder as well. People who disregard the permanent closures are not only jeopardising themselves but other skiers\riders as well. They can also cause delays in opening terrain if man power resources have to be used to deal with the situation.  Permanent closures are there for a reason, hopefully Karma will catch up to  these sign line violators and they will loose their riding privileges eliminating them from the issue.

On another note there was an involvement yesterday on Deans Adieu where a group lost some equipment in a size 2 slide.
Deans Adieu is just above the normal skin track up to Spearhead Peak.

At 2280 meters the temperature was -12, the wind was 20-30 KPH from the South as of 06:45. At 1550 meters the temperature was -7.5, 94 % relative humidity, and the barometer was steady. A trace of new snow was reported at that elevation. In the valley it is 0. 


For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Thanks to Devin Steif for this photo, last week solar aspects were producing loose snow avalanches. One feature that is always active during warm temperatures is the moraine at the bottom of the picture. That particular moraine is a producer and always use caution if you find yourself in  this zone.

Hot off the press, here is a size 2 out of MC Bowl from yesterday. Trying to get more information!!

With 22 cm of new snow it should be a great day!! Thanks to Jonathan Effa for this shot of Atwell Peak and some field observations from Wednesday: 

A few observations (maybe a bit outdated now) from Wednesday. Skied the E-face of Mt Atwell. There was about 10cm of new low density snow siting on top of a variety of surfaces through out the Garibaldi area. Surface hoar to ~1cm forming on the top up to ~1800m. SW-SE aspects showed signs of older LS avalanches but it stayed colder Wednesday and I didn't see anything come down (debris preceded the latest snow). The winds were calm most of the day (sheltered on the east side). Fairly hard wind slab in places near ridge line. Some pinwheeling starting in the early afternoon (definitely heading towards spring time).  Good luck with the leg. 

Thanks Jon, its on the mend!

Also some field observations from the Duffy, thanks to Lee Lau for taking the time to send this Thursday:

@1850m, ski pen is 10cms, boot pen 20cms.  top 10 is fist on settled snow.  Winds L from SE.  Assorted signs of severe warming  event when temps went + 12 in alpine from inversion in form of pinwheels and solar refreeze even on  NW aspect.  Snow was ok; travel fast but man it needs more snow
S aspects of Rohr naturally cleansed.
No surf hoar to speak of at TL or BTL





At 2280 meters the temperature was -9 at 07:00, the winds were 45-65 KPH from the SSE. At 1550 meters it was -5, 98% humidity and the barometer is on the decline. At Catskinner weather plot there was 22 cm of new snow. In the valley it is 0. Winds should taper off as the day moves along with flurries. Looks like it could be an awesome day for touring tomorrow. For today expect size 1-2 soft slabs running fast and far. Deep as 40 cm. Reactive.




For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Sorry to report another avalanche fatality near Snowmass Colorado:

On Wednesday January, 18th, a fatal avalanche accident occurred in the backcountry on Burnt Mountain near the Snowmass ski area. The avalanche occurred in a gully feature on a northeast aspect at 10,490 feet. The small slope that slid averaged approximately 45 degrees, and was close to 50 degrees near the crown. The avalanche was 14 feet wide, ran 30 vertical feet, and was 2 feet deep at the crown. A soft slab approximately 1 foot thick sat on top of a very reactive surface hoar layer. We believe the avalanche started with the soft slab failing on the surface hoar before stepping down into the underlying weak faceted snow. There were 3 skiers in the group involved in the accident. Skier 1 entered the gully from the top and skied down the bottom of the gully and past the accident site without incident. Skier 2 entered further down down slope and triggered a small soft slab that deposited debris in the bottom of the gully, but was not caught in the debris. Skier 2 also skied further down the gully without incident. Skier 3 entered further down slope from Skier 2 and became stuck in avalanche debris from Skier 2's soft slab and weak faceted snow at the the bottom of the gully. While struggling to extricate himself, he triggered a soft slab which came down from above and buried him. The avalanche was very small but the debris was funneled into the narrow gully, which allowed a small amount of snow to pile up deeply enough to bury the victim. Skiers 1 and 2 responded to the accident by ascending back up the gully to the burial location. They were able to extricate Skier 3, with the help of several snowboarders who came upon the scene responding to calls for help. Unfortunately, attempts to resuscitate Skier 3 were unsuccessful.

If it is not going to dump, bring on the sun!! Looks like some snow is on the way for tomorrow morning. 

At 2280 meters the temperature was - 5 at 06:00. Winds were 15-20 KPH from the SE. At 1550 meters it was -5, the relative humidity was 94% and the barometer is on the decent. No new snow overnight. In the valley it is -1. Expect small soft slabs out there today from the 10 cm from yesterday.

Any field observations or photos would be appreciated, its hard to get content out there when we are in these dry conditions. Even photos from the past would be great to talk about!!

More snowmobile\avalanche footage, the guy on the rocks is lucky to still be there: Sledding Euro Style

For the up to date Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Bella Coola Couloir Skiing

New snow over night, dust on crust!

At 2280 meters the temperature was -7 as of 06:00. Winds were 40-60 KPH out of the SE. At 1550 meters the temperature was -6, 98 % humidity and the barometer dropping slowly. At Catskinner 4 cm of snow has fallen. At pig alley there was 2 cm recorded at 05:30. In the valley it was -1. 

Thanks for this field report from Clark Lewis:

Hi Wayne. 
Clark Lewis here (Blackcomb volly doctor). Skied Garibaldi NE face (Warren glacier) today. 

Strong SW alpine wind above 2200m wrapping around and wind loading NE and E aspects. Triggered small size 1 slide at 2500m on thinly bridged headwall burgshrund, 15cm crown, 20m wide, ran 100m. Felt suddenly hollow as i weighted my ski. It was all fresh loading from the wind today. Below bergshrund was solid despite the loading. 

Also saw big fresh-looking crown on "the tent", a sub peak of Garibaldi, direct N aspect, approx 2400m, approx 3m crown, 100m wide, ran 300m, likely from yest or today since it wasn't yet wind loaded. 

Clark Lewis Photo

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


A quick clip on a very reactive layer: Ski Cutting

Another stellar day is upon us.


At 2280 meters the temperature as of 06:00 was -7, winds 5-10 KPH out of the WSW. At 1550 meters the temperature was -6, 75 % humidity, and the barometer is rising. In the valley it is -6.

Size 1 loose snow avalanches have been observed on solar aspects. People are still skiing in closed areas, the lure of fresh snow is always a concern when there is a snow draught. Its like playing Russian Roulette, if you get caught you may not be skiing\boarding for an extended amount of time. Read the signs!!!

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Avalanche control using the daisy bell, click here to view clip: Daisy Bell

Loose snow avalanches are usually why Lakeside is closed on a sunny day.

At 2280 meters the temperature is -9 at 06:00. Winds were 15-20 KPH out of the SE.At 1550 meters the temperature was -5.5, Relative Humidity was 85%, and the barometer was on a slight decline. There was no new snow last night. In the valley it is -3.

For a definition of a loose snow avalanche click here: Loose snow avalanche

The Lakeside Avalanche Closure has taken away numerous peoples skiing privileges over the years, it was closed yesterday, wind distributed snow from the NE winds, warm temperatures cause loose snow avalanches to start up high in the rocks and entrain the new snow, usually travelling over the traverse. There not large avalanches, but they certainly could knock you off the traverse and hurt you.
 Remember if the sign line says closed stay out or loose your skiing privileges.

For the up to date Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


Here is a link to  the latest Avalanche Fatality in North America: Colorado Avalanche

For an interesting read on global warming check out Cliff Mass Weather Blog at the bottom of this page. 

Thanks to Jeff Van Driel for sharing some observations from the Duffy:

Out on Duke during the last day of the high pressure.  Large surface hoar in open areas below treeline and 2mm SH in open areas at treeline in flat areas(the only areas sheltered from sun or wind).  Good stability with ok quality on true north aspects.  Widespread terrain usage in area.  

Went to "Snowzone" two days later and found a vastly different snow pack.  Shallow and facety.

Cheers,

Jeff

At 2280 meters the temperature was -9 at 06:00. At 1550 meters the temperature is -3.5, 78 % humidity, and the barometer is on an upward trend. At 1650 meters 2 cm was recorded overnight and 1 cm at 1550 meters. In the valley it is 0.

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Quick clip on a Swiss town being hit by a large controlled avalanche: Avalanche

Sledders received some good news about avalanche education on January 20, 2012.

New Project Aims at Avalanche Education for Mountain Snowmobilers Canadian Avalanche Centre Project Supported by
Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments
Jan 20, 2012, Fernie, BC: Three levels of government support for the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) were represented today, as BC MLA Bill Bennett announced a three-year program aimed at lowering the rate of avalanche deaths within the mountain snowmobiling community. Joining MLA Bennett in the announcement was Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks and Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano.
“The Mountain Snowmobile Education Project will help prepare snowmobilers with knowledge that could save their lives,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett. “British Columbia’s world-class winter tourism includes snowmobiling as a major attraction. The safety of our residents and visitors is a priority for our province and a commitment we take seriously.”
The Mountain Snowmobile Education Project is funded by a grant from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS), a department of National Defence. “NSS grants are just one way that the Government of Canada has made its contributions to public avalanche safety,” said Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks. “Environment Canada—through Parks Canada and the Meteorological Service of Canada—is also a long-time supporter of the CAC. We are pleased to support programs and services that provide a public safety net and enrich the lives of Canadians and our visitors.”
This project has special meaning for the Fernie area, one of the province’s hotspots for mountain snowmobiling. Speaking for the municipal government of Fernie, Mayor Giuliano said her community is proud to support the CAC. “The CAC’s avalanche forecast for this region is a highly valued product for many of our residents as well as our visitors,” she said. “Public avalanche safety affects all of us who live in BC.”
The Mountain Snowmobile Education Project will build on an already promising foundation, said CAC Executive Director Ian Tomm. “Last year we saw a big jump in training among mountain sledders, along with a tremendous shift in attitude towards avalanche safety,” Tomm explained. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with clubs and organizations to increase the avalanche knowledge base and skill level within this community.”
—30—
Mary Clayton, Communications Director, Canadian Avalanche Centre

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

P: 250.837.2141 (228) M: 250.837.1492 mclayton@avalanche.ca


 At 2280 meters the temperature was -6 at 06:00, winds were 15-25 KPH from the south. At 1550 meters the temperature was -3, 99.5 % humidity, the barometer is on a slight decline and there was a trace of new snow.  In the valley it was +3 degrees. More flurries are expected today. Yesterday Blackcomb Glacier was closed due to pin wheeling of wet snow onto the traverse, things have tightened up over night and there has been some crust recovery. 


For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

For a good view of high marking and getting lucky click here: High Marking

Luckily the rain has not reached the top of the mountain. This is a picture from about ten years ago, at the blow hole the first pitch on Blackcomb glacier had released after a big storm, warming and then rain for a day. The blue layer Binty is pointing too was the layer where the water was accumulating on. There was so much water in the snow pack it was dripping off from that interface.

At 2280 meters the temperature was -2 at 06:00. Winds were 0-10 KPH SE. At 1550 meters the temperature was 0, 100 % humidity, and the barometer is on a slight rise. In the valley it is +1. At 1650 meters 1 cm of new snow was recorded.  A new crust is forming at the 1500 meter elevation. 

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


Click here for a skier released slab video: Caught


If you are looking for snow, it has been snowing near the Mediterranean Ocean.

It was a much nicer morning yesterday, not going to post a picture of the rain!!

At 2280 meters the temperature at 06:00 was -3, the winds were 20-30 KPH from the East. At 1550 meters the temperature was 0, 99.5 % humidity and the barometer was dropping slowly.  At 1650 meters there  was 1 cm recorded over night. It appears that the clouds are producing rain in the valley but it is barely snowing in the alpine. In the valley it is +1.

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Tony Sittlinger Photo

Tony found some depth hoar on a north facing shallow snow pack (40cm) around the rocks at 2000 meters yesterday. Even with these warm temperatures there is still DH lurking.  In many places it is breaking down but still out there.

For a quick view at a large avalanche click here: Large Avalanche

Interesting shot from Switzerland where cold temperatures have frozen parts of Europe.

Where is the snow, it appears we could get as much as 10 cm by tomorrow morning and another 5 cm Friday but then dry again.


At 2280 meters the temperature was -5, winds were 15-20 KPH from the SE at 06:00. At 1550 meters the temperature was -3, 96 % humidity, and the barometer is on the rise. In the valley it is 0. 2 cm of new snow at 1550 meters and 3 cm at 1650 meters. 

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


Check out this video of a snowmobiler getting caught in a slab avalanche: Slab Avalanche

Sun rise this morning was spectacular.

South aspect of Tremor, avalanche occurred over the weekend, 2000 meter elevation, size 2.5. Andor Tari Photo

Wet loose avalanche in the Brandywine area over the weekend. With the warm temperatures spiking last Friday there was certainly a lot of isolated activity.  Thanks to Toby Tortorelli for these images. 

Closer look at the slab avalanche off Mt. Cayley over the weekend. Toby Tortorelli Photo



At 2280 meters the temperature was -5, winds 15-25 KPH from the SE. At 1550 meters the temperature was -3, 75 % humidity and the barometer is rising slightly. In the valley it is -2.  No real snow amounts in the foreseeable future.

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


Click here for a video on Helicopter bombing in our National Parks:
Helicopter Bombing

Thanks to Yves Wenger for submitting this photo, sledding on the ice cap.

Cornices have become large and at times fragile, some falling on traditional routes.

Still lots of cornice left up there!! Always look up at what is above you when travelling near these areas!

Thanks to Michael Cooperburg for submitting these photos from Decker.  Michael also observed a size 1 on Trorey.






At 2280 meters the temperature is 0, winds are 5-15 KPH from ESE. At 1550 meters the temperature is -5, Relative Humidity is 72 %, and the barometer is on a slight decline. Flurries are expected Wednesday, with no significant precipitation until Sunday.


For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

When the bed surface is a rock slab, avalanche in Alpental, California.

Now that’s a Slab down to a Hard layer eh…!!!???

 o°•O Yves  O•°o

At 2280 meters the temperature at 06:00 was +2, winds were  0-5 KPH from the ESE. At 1550 meters the temperature was -2,  the relative humidity was 60 %, and the barometer is steady. In the valley it was -3.
No storms in the foreseeable future, some flurries possible on Wednesday.

Here is some information obtained from the Avalanche Centre about the avalanche incident at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing

NEWS RELEASE - Selkirk Wilderness Skiing

Meadow Creek, B.C., 01:00 P.M. PST February 3, 2012 – One skier is dead following an avalanche at approximately 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time today at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing, approximately 100 km north of Nelson, B.C.

The skier was with a group of 10 skiers and 2 guides who were skiing on Meadow Mountain. They were descending a run one-at-a-time, when the second guest in the group triggered an avalanche. That person, who was wearing an avalanche transceiver, was located by the lead guide and was visible on the surface. The guides dug the skier out and resuscitation efforts were immediately begun, but the guides were unable to revive the skier.

The other skiers in the group have now returned to the resort lodge.

RCMP have been notified of the accident.

Selkirk Wilderness Skiing is a cat-skiing facility, where skiers are transported to the lodge and to ski slopes by snow cat. Today’s accident was the first fatality to occur at the resort since it was established 37 years ago. Selkirk Wilderness Skiing’s lodge is accessible in winter by snow cat, a trip of approximately 30 minutes from the community of Meadow Creek.

Canadian Avalanche Association Report

Date: 2012-02-03
Location: Meadow Mountain nr Meadow Creek
Location Description: North of Kaslo
Province: BC
Mountain Range: Selkirk Mtn Range
Coordinates: 50.26 -117.069 Lat/Long Decimal Degrees
Elevation: 2430m
Activity: Mechanized Skiing
Involvement: 1
Injury: -
Fatality: 1

Description

3rd skier into run made wide turn. Avalanche propagated 150 m and ran down to bottom of path. Guides started search and located skier with transceiver partly buried near bottom of path. 8 mins. CPR sarted and after closer examination stopped due to head trauma.

Date/time: 2012-02-03 11:17
Size: 3
Type: S
Trigger: S
Elevation: 2430
Aspect: ne
Slab width: 150m
Slab thickness: 150cm

For the updated Avalanche Hazard click here: Avalanche Advisory

Natural Avalanche out of the North Face of Mt Cayley ran over the traditional snowmobile route. Thanks to Gavin Christie for sharing these photos taken February 4, 2012. 

Looks like size 2.5- 3 debris.

Crown line looks to be 4-5 meters deep.

Speculating but it looks like the East side may have heated up in the sun?? Would be nice to get a fracture line profile and find out what it slid on??!!

Several other avalanches can be seen from this view. 

At 2280 meters it is -7, 5-15 KPH winds out of the ESE. At 1550 meters it is -2, 54% Humidity and the Barometer is on a slight decline. In the valley it is -4. Should be another amazing day.


For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Congratulations to Marcus Waring, Fastest time Saturday, Peak to Valley 5.19.43

It was an incredibly beautiful sunset last night.                                                                        Joanna Harrington Photo

At 2280 meters at 07:00 it was -6.5, winds were 10-15 KPH from the East. At 1550 meters the temperature was -1, 65 % humidity and the barometer is on a slight rise. In the valley it is 0.


The snow has tightened up and the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale is rated as low. Click here for the latest Avalanche Advisory issued by WhistlerBlackcomb: Avalanche Advisory

In Europe many countries are debating what back country skiers should be equipped with and if they do not have the essential gear what the consequences will be, this debate will be coming to Canada.

The Peak to Valley race yesterday had ideal conditions. Fun was had by all!

A very reactive slab, its an older picture, but you may throw a ski cut in this slope if the conditions are right and you find yourself here!

We were skiing the glades on the E side of Needle Peak’s north ridge (back in 2006).  All the conditions were right for a slide (40cm new snow, wind, etc).  As I came over the roll at the top of this little pitch I checked up just a bit knowing it was a steep break over.  That little check-up saved me, as the slab broke away just behind me and I was able to hold my position as it whooshed down into the trees.  If I had bombed over the roll I would have been right in the middle of the slab and would have had a nasty ride into the trees.  Got a bit complacent that day but was able to dodge a bullet…..  

Please keep sending me your stories and pictures, everyone can learn from other peoples experiences.

At 2280 meters the temperature is -1, winds are 10-15 KPH from the SSE. At 1550 meters the temperature is +1.5, relative humidity is at 95 %, and the barometer is on a slight decline. No new snow and sunny skies are here. In the valley it is 0.

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

For an interesting story from Mt. Baker of someone lost click here: Lost 

The sun is coming out for a while, we can expect clouds and sun for a few days.

At 2280 meters the temperature is -7, the winds were 20-35 KPH from the west , at 06:00. At 1550 meters the temperature is - 5  , 97 % humidity, and the barometer is steady. In the valley it is 0. No new snow.

Last week I brought up a discussion on tree wells, here is some actual footage of a tree well rescue. Thanks to Paul Rattenbury for forwarding this:  Tree Well


The incident report from Utah on the January 28 th avalanche.

Media Reports

24-year-old Salt Lake man killed in avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon 
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012 9:49 p.m. MST

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — Two days before Alecsander Barton's 25th birthday, he headed to the mountains with two friends to take advantage of Utah's backcountry in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Characterized by officials as an experienced backcountry traveler, Barton and his friends were equipped with avalanche beacons. But of the two outdoorsmen to trigger slides in the canyon Saturday, Barton would be the one who wouldn't make it out alive.

The 24-year-old man was killed after being caught in an avalanche in the Mineral Falls area of the canyon around 11:30 a.m., Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal said.

Barton and his friends set out from an area halfway up the canyon near Blind Miner's Mine and made their way to the top of Kessler Peak, at the apex of Big and Little Cottonwood canyons. Barton, who was on a snowboard, accidentally triggered the slide that measured 700 feet wide at a time when the avalanche danger was classified as high, the Utah Avalanche Center reported.

Barton's two friends were not caught in the avalanche and escaped without harm. They called 911 and went to the aid of their friend.

"Rescuers were flown up to the scene by Wasatch Powderbird, and when they got there, the two witnesses up there … had actually found their friend, and he was deceased," Hoyal said.

Police reported that the men had come equipped with avalanche beacons but still were in an extremely dangerous area.

Barton's death came on the heels of a slew of avalanche warnings prompted by heavy snowfall and weak snowpack.

"The backcountry conditions are extremely dangerous," Hoyal said. "This is a sad reminder for people to know that conditions are so extreme right now that people need to stay out of the backcountry."

The Utah Avalanche Center reported Saturday that Barton was on a snowboard when he unintentionally triggered the avalanche. In its preliminary accident report, the center said the avalanche carried Barton 2,400 feet before he was caught in the bottom of the slide.

"His two companions switched their avalanche transceivers to receive, descended the slope and extricated their friend, buried under 3 feet of debris," the report states.

The center issued an advisory early Saturday classifying the danger level as "considerable," but Craig Gordon of the Utah Avalanche Center said the rating was at a level four or "high" rating on the upper, steep slopes.

"That means human-triggered avalanches are very likely," Gordon said.

There was another avalanche triggered by skiers in the Holy Toledo area of Big Cottonwood Canyon Saturday morning, he said, but everyone involved was "unscathed and safe."

Gordon said the dangerous environment is caused by "weak, sugary snow" covered by additional layers of snow from last week's storms.

"Avalanche conditions are deceptively tricky," he said. "You can get on some slopes and be good to go, whereas others all you need to do is find a weak spot in the snowpack, and you're staring down the barrel of a very dangerous avalanche."

Gordon said the three men involved in the incident all had experience in the backcountry. He said there are low-angle slopes that could be safely traversed, but everyone should avoid high, steep slopes, especially those facing north.

"There's plenty of safe, low-angle terrain that people can ride in the backcountry right now, but we can't be enticed by sunny skies and fresh snow to get on the steep slopes just yet," he said.

This was echoed in a Saturday avalanche forecast which included a warning that "very dangerous conditions exist in the backcountry," said Drew Hardesty, who issued the warning.

"Truth be told, it’s also days like these where we see avalanche accidents," Hadesty wrote. "Discipline, self-denial — these are things we not only aspire to, it's what keeps us alive in conditions like these."

In it's report, the Utah Avalanche Center said the trio was in an area on the west side of Kessler Peak known as Little Giant. It said the peak is "surrounded by radical terrain and avalanche paths on all sides" and that the trio had hiked up the peak in one of these paths.

This is the second fatal avalanche of the season in Utah. The first, on Nov. 13, 2011, claimed the life of professional skier Jamie Pierre. The 38-year-old was killed in a slide near Snowbird just a week before the ski resort was to open.

Both men were killed at times when new, heavy snowfall led to avalanche warnings.

Barton's death marks the ninth recorded avalanche death in the West this season, with four in Colorado, three along the Wyoming-Montana border and two in Utah. There were 25 fatalities recorded last winter.

Gordon said the deadliest season in Utah was 2004-05, when eight people were killed.

Barton, originally from Michigan, was living in the Salt Lake City area at the time of his death, Hoyal said.

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

With new snow and light winds the skiing will be great today.

At 2280 meters the temperature was -8, winds 5-15 KPH from the NW at 06:30. At 1550 meters the temperature was -4, 98% humidity, and the barometer is rising. 11cm was record at the Catskinner plot, and 14 cm recorded at Pig alley. Its +1 degrees in the valley. Flurries can be expected today with a cooling and drying trend.


For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here:  Avalanche Advisory

For some crazy footage check out this video clip, who needs explosives, just have a bunch of snowboarders rip it up, hard to believe no one was injured!!?: Slab Avalanches

A wet slide on the Singing Pass trail. Tree bombs can also start these types of avalanches. Thanks to Braden Douglas for this photo.

Hey Wango

Heres a little sz 1.5 that came across singing pass 2 drainage's east of Shiraz creek. Probably was some big pillows that got rolling and entrained a bunch of wet loose snow. Recent no tracks across it yet. Ran down over the trail towards Fitz creek.

At 2280 meters the temperature was -7.5, winds 30-40 KPH from the south at 06:45. Maximum gust last nite was 66 KPH. At 1550 the temperature was -3.5, 95 % humidity, and the barometer is rising. In the valley it is +1. At 1550 (Catskinner) the height of snow was 8 cm at 06:15. At 1650 meters (Pig Alley) the height of snow was 7 cm at 05:30. Looking at the models we could receive an additional 20 cm by tomorrow morning.

For the Peak to Valley race, the forecast has changed as it always does. Friday is now looking like snow flurries to light snow and Saturday is mostly sunny with a few clouds.

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


Click here for an interesting clip on an avalanche with an air bag deployed: Air Bag

No avalanche pictures today but here is a shot of some good looking snow.

At 2280 meters the temperature is -6 with 45-60 KPH winds out of the south. At 1550 meters the temperature was - 2.5 with 92 % humidity and the barometer is on the rise. In the valley it is +3. No new snow to report last night.

I have a broken fibula so would appreciate some cool pictures of avalanches , snow, or anything interesting pertaining to avalanches.  Will not be in the field for 6 weeks!!

For the latest Avalanche Advisory click here:Avalanche Advisory

For all the Peak to Valley Racers it looks like clear dry conditions for this coming Friday & Saturday. Will try to keep updating as we get closer to the week end. 

At 2280 meters the temperature is -3.5, with 70-90 KPH winds from the south at 06:00. At 1550 meters the temperature was 0 degrees, 98 % Humidity, and the barometer is on a slight rise. At 1650 meters (pig alley) 10 cm of new snow was recorded. At the catskinner plot there was 7 cm recorded.  In the valley it is +2. Avalanche control yesterday was getting size 1 slabs lee terrain.

Unfortunately the freezing level is not co-operating and the temperatures will remain warm with another 15-25 cm expected at upper elevations by tomorrow morning.A broad low pressure system spinning over the Gulf of Alaska is pushing into BC with abundant moisture flowing in from the Pacific Ocean.

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Thank you Andor Tari for sharing another profile, Pit pod has changed its name to Avy Lab, and there are some improvements to its format.

Two more links submitted by Ryan Bougie in regards to some recent Avalanche Involvements south of our boarder. Utah Avalanche: Kessler Peak Avalanche
              Colorado Avalanche Debrief: Burnt Mountain Colorado, Jan 18, 2012

Even in the creek the snow can be so beautiful. 

At 2280 meters it is -11, winds are 35-45 KPH from the south at 06:00. At 1550 meters the temperature is -7, 95% humidity and the barometer is steady. At pig alley the snow measurement is 2 cm. In the valley it is -1.

For the updated Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory

Thanks to Andor Tari for submitting this profile.

Interesting story submitted by Ryan Bougie from our neighbours to the south.

Click here: Teton Pass