September 30, 2013

20-35 cm of snow at 1835 meters on Whistler Mountain. September 29, 2013

Wet snow that has stuck to everything.

Possibly another 10-20 centimetres of new snow overnight, image from this am Monday Sept 30.



At 2180 meters the temperature was -3.7. At 1860 meters the temperature was -3.5, winds were 30-55 KPH from the S. At 1650 meters the temperature was -.5, not sure of the accuracy of the precipitation gauge, but 22.6 mm was recorded there in the past 24 hours.   In the valley the temperature was +5, 16.4 mm of precipitation was recorded there for Sunday. Observations taken at 07:30 this am September 30, 2013.

For the forecast we can expect unsettled weather for the next few days, the deep low is weakening as its circulation gets torn up by the mountains. Will see the occasional area of blue.  Bands of moisture will bring light showers today becoming more frequent tomorrow, easing off again on Wednesday before clearing on Thursday. Freezing levels will drop to as low as 1400 meters and go as high as 2000 meters in the next few days. A warm moist system is expected for Friday evening and heavy precipitation on Saturday with freezing levels rising to 2500 meters Friday dropping to 2000 meters Saturday. The long term forecast does not appear to be as nice as last year, certainly more precipitation and cooler temperatures are possible for October.


Anyone hiking up for early turns remember that there is enough snow for small avalanches to occur, this time of the year even a small ride can push you through rocks and into other hazards. Be extra cautious around glaciers as there has been enough snow and wind to bridge crevasses. Always be prepared for self rescue and always bring your tranceiver, probe and shovel.




Air Travel with Avalanche Airbag Systems: HAT

Avalanche related blog from Montana: Doug Chabot's Blog

Northern Rockies avalanche safety workshop: October 12, 2013 Whitefish Montana

Mountain Leader prosecuted for illegal guiding in Spain: Europe

Large rock avalanche in Alaska: Near Mount Jarvis

Getting ready for the season, here is a great addition to your gear, PDF instructions in what to do if there is an avalanche: From ACMG Site

Three mountaineers killed in an avalanche on Mount Himlung (above) : News article from Nepal

A brief break in the precipitation on Sunday.

Bike tracks going down Upper Whiskey Jack.

Spot the bear! Still eating berries at around the 1500 meter elevation. Just below snow line.

A good image of the size of the deep low that moved into our zone.

Only 5 days ago it looked like this.