November 17, 2013

November 17, 2013, -7 at 1840 meters and snowing lightly. 

I thought it was a rather quiet morning for the first day of the season on Whistler, 07:45 Hrs Nov 16Th.

Saturday morning was amazing, cold and clear with some fresh snow.

The clouds started to roll in around 11:30 Hrs. on Saturday.


Observations for November 17, 2013 taken at 06:00 Hrs.

2180 meters   -9 Winds 40-60 KPH from the SSW
1835 meters   -7 Winds 20-60 KPH from the SSE
1650 meters   -5 4 cm of new snow Base 64cm
  660 meters    -1  Nester's Weather Station


For the forecast, a weak front associated with a cool westerly flow will bring some flurries today prior to the arrival of a weak warm frontal wave later today into Monday. A broad upper trough moves through on Tuesday bringing unsettled conditions prior to the development of an upper level ridge which will bring colder temperatures and sunny skies for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday looks to be unsettled with slightly warmer temperatures. As of now the models are looking like a pineapple express may be forming for Saturday. That is still a long way off so more on that later. Not great news for new snow on the way but at least the temperatures will keep the snow making crews busy!! So for today we can expect 2-4 cm of new snow, Monday we are looking at 5-10 cm of new snow.





The Anatomy of Chance and Uncertainty, great talk by Grant Statham : Ted Talk-Canmore

Heavy snow hits the Alps: Not even opening until November 30Th

Canyons Faces jury in wrongful death suit, Utah: Inbounds avalanche death 2007

Concern over Avalanche Conditions in Colorado: CAIC

What an Avalanche Feels like: Leslie Anthony

Early Season Information: Flathead Avalanche Centre

Near country skiing; The Day Nothing Happened: Devon O'Neil

Avalanche Forecasters To Provide Insider Perspectives and Reasoning Behind Safety Decisions

On Saturday, November 23, Whistler Blackcomb’s professional avalanche forecasters Tony Sittlinger and Anton Horvath will take to the stage at Millennium Place to host a public Forecaster’s Forum, presented by Arc’teryx and the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol. When the coastal powder arrives to blanket Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains each winter, forecasters are presented with the task of helping to keep flocks of powder hungry skiers and snowboarders safe all over the mountain. Inevitably, this task often leads to frustrated guests who are antsy to reach their favourite powder stashes before it is safe to do so. This forum will tackle common public perception as to why the Peak Chair doesn’t open on a powder day or Spanky’s Ladder remains closed after a storm.

The Forum will run on November 23 at Millennium Place in Whistler Village from 7pm to 9pm beginning with a pre-event reception and followed by a question and answer period between the hosts and attendees. There is no cost to attend the event and those interested should take note that seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Fresh tracks in Sudan Couloir.

By 14:00 hrs the next frontal wave was upon us. Saturday Afternoon

We will receive between 5-10 cm on Monday.

The high moves in on Wednesday and remains until at least Friday.

Lets hope that Saturday's outlook changes, would be nice for a cold storm to arrive!!