At 2280 meters the temperature was -12, winds were 10-20 KPH from the SE. At 1650 meters the temperature was -7.5, 2 cm of new snow fell there since 14:30 hours yesterday. In the valley it is -3.
Observations recorded at 06:00 Hrs.
Big temperature shifts over night, At 2280 metes yesterday at 13:00 hrs the temp was -4, 12 hours later it was -13. In the valley yesterday it was +2, now -3. Should make for some firm conditions in the lower elevations.
For the forecast, a vigorous frontal system will enter our area with moderate winds and heavy precipitation late this morning. An upper trough will bring cool unsettled conditions for Wednesday. A drier northerly flow will reach us for Thursday and will prevail until early next week. The models are always changing and so are the guesstimates. Today 10-15, Tonight 10-15 Wednesday 3-5 into early Thursday Morning after that it dries up with no snow for a few days. Freezing level could go up to 1400 meters later this evening and then back down with the passing of the front.
For the updated Avalanche Advisory: Blackcomb Snow Safety
Avalanche control yesterday produced size 1 soft slab avalanches.
Risk is part of Adventure Experience: Canada.com
American Skier succumbs to a fall off a cliff above Franz's Meadow: Vancouver Sun
On going court case from Avalanche Death in Vail, January 22, 2102: Vail Daily
Arc'teryx patent on Electric Avy Bag: From Wildsnow.com
Skin Glue Confessions: From Earnyourturns.com
Special swag for Steve Anderson, first person to donate to the blog. An Arc'teryx hat and goggle bag are yours.
The snow quality was degraded on the lower mountain with the warm temperatures yesterday.
Rimeing on the back of a piste marker in 7 Th Heaven on Blackcomb.
For the definition of hard rime click here: Rime
More icing of the goggles yesterday, when skiing in those conditions its important to keep your goggles as clean as possible. Nothing wrong with stopping after a freeze up at lower elevations and using a goggle cloth to properly de ice the lenses. Be careful though, some goggles will scratch if you are not careful. Seeing where your going in flat light is important, follow the piste markers or use the trees and rocks for definition.
Here is a link to descriptions of the various fronts and what warm air aloft is all about: Fronts
Canadian Avalanche Foundation
Whistler Gala -- An evening with avalanche pioneer Chris Stethem
Saturday March 2nd, 2013
Nicklaus North Golf Club
6:30 pm onwards – 8080 Nicklaus North Blvd., Whistler
Dinner, Presentation, Silent Auction
Tickets $75.00 Table of 10: $750
